A 9-year-old faces five first-degree murder charges in connection with a fatal trailer fire in Goodfield last April.
Woodford County State's Attorney Greg Minger said that he reviewed multiple reports before making the decision to prosecute.
Kathryn Murray, Jason Wall, and three children ages 2 and under died in the April 6 blaze at Timberline Mobile Home Park.
Katrina Alwood and a child escaped the fire.
Woodford County Coroner Tim Ruestman said the fire was intentionally set. He determined the five deaths were homicides.
Minger said the child would also be charged with two arson counts and one count of aggravated arson. He said the maximum penalty the child could face is probation. Mandated psychological treatment and counseling would also be likely.
The story was first reported by the Peoria Journal Star.
Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU. 9(MDIwMjIxMDA0MDE0Mzk4NDIzNjA0OGQ5Yg001))