Teens sentenced after bush fire killed mother and daughter

Two teenagers responsible for a devastating 2022 fire that claimed the lives of a mother and daughter have been handed the maximum possible sentence.

The pair, who were just 14 and 12 at the time of the incident, were sentenced on Tuesday to seven years within the Division of Youth Services.

Because of their ages, their identities remain protected, yet the weight of their actions has left a permanent scar on the Lakewood community.

The tragedy unfolded after the youngsters were asked to leave a friend’s flat at the Tiffany Square Apartments.

Seeking petty revenge, they returned in the early hours to ignite bushes outside the building.

The fire quickly spiralled out of control, trapping 31-year-old Kathleen Payton and her 10-year-old daughter, Jazmine, inside.

Both perished from carbon monoxide poisoning. CCTV footage captured the teens fleeing the scene on public transport as the complex was engulfed, eventually displacing every resident in the 32-unit block.

At the emotional sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Riley Gonya remarked, “Today’s sentence brings a measure of justice for the many members of our community impacted by this senseless fire.”

The victims' family, still reeling from the loss of "Katie and Jazzy," attended the hearing to see the case closed.

One relative recalled Jazmine as a sweet girl who loved unicorns, while Katie was known for her selfless nature.

While the court has provided a legal conclusion, the family noted, “We will never stop grieving the loss of our beloved girls.”