At a Glance
- A mother in ICU after pushing her 9-year-old daughter from a second-story window during a blaze.
- Five people injured, including a child with a broken pelvis.
- A resident charged with arson and six other felonies. The incident underscores the importance of emergency response and legal consequences for arson.
A Milwaukee mother remains in intensive care after pushing her 9-year-old daughter out of a second-story window during a January 16 blaze. The fire injured five people, including a child who suffered a broken pelvis, and investigators now face a resident charged with arson and other felonies.
The Blaze and the Rescue
The fire erupted just after 6:30 a.m. on January 16 at the Fardale Avenue building on Milwaukee’s south side. Five residents were injured, with smoke inhalation and lacerations reported. Firefighters had to rescue multiple occupants from second-story windows, as the blaze spread quickly, and the building’s fire suppression system failed.
Injuries
The 9-year-old with a broken pelvis was transported to the nearest trauma center, while the 9-year-old Ni’Lah received treatment for a leg injury and smoke inhalation. Other victims, ranging from 9 to 64, suffered severe smoke inhalation and lacerations, and some required intensive care for respiratory support and wound care.
The Mother’s Sacrifice
Kessy, 28, was trapped with her daughter Ni’Lah on the second floor as smoke filled the hallway. Facing no exit, she pushed Ni’Lah out of the window to save her life. A neighbor caught the child before she hit the ground. The escape risky, it saved her from the fire.
Family Perspective
Diana Falcon, Ni’Lah’s grandmother, told CBS 58, “She’s pushing her daughter out the second floor. At this point, it’s safer to throw her from the second story on the ground than for her to burn alive.” The grandmother emphasized that the mother acted to protect her child and that the decision was made in a split second.
Ni’Lah’s Recovery
Ni’Lah was taken to the emergency department where she received pain management and a CT scan to rule out internal injuries. She was discharged after a week of observation and is now home with a physical therapy plan, and a follow-up appointment with her pediatrician next month to monitor her recovery.
Arrest and Charges
Investigators arrested 44-year-old Keith Luko, a building resident, in connection with the fire. Surveillance footage showed him moving belongings out of the unit hours before the blaze and then fleeing the scene. He allegedly poured gasoline in the hallway and ignited it with a lighter to start the fire.
Legal Details
Charges: arson, first-degree reckless injury, six counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety. The complaint alleges Luko was angry about neighbors smoking marijuana inside the building. Prosecutors seek maximum penalties for the arson. The indictment claims Luko’s actions violated fire codes and the fire caused damage and threatened lives of residents.
Impact on Residents
The fire left all eight units in the building unlivable, displacing an estimated 25 residents. The Red Cross confirmed the displacement and offered temporary housing assistance. Families are now working with relief organizations to rebuild their homes. The city is also reviewing building codes to prevent future incidents and safety.
Current Status
Kessy remains in the ICU under sedation and on breathing tubes, according to FOX6 Milwaukee and WISN. Ni’Lah has been discharged and is recovering at home. Luko is in custody awaiting trial on the arson charges. Kessy’s family has requested a leave of absence from work to focus on recovery.
Community Response
A GoFundMe page was created by a family member to support Kessy and Ni’Lah’s medical expenses. The fundraiser highlighted the loss of personal items that cannot be replaced. Community members donated to help cover hospital bills and recovery costs, and local businesses pledged support to help with temporary housing.
Legal Process
The criminal complaint was filed by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Luko’s attorney has not yet responded to inquiries from News Of Los Angeles. Prosecutors plan to present evidence of the gasoline and ignition in court, hoping to secure a conviction and to emphasize the severity of the arson charges in the upcoming trial.
Fire Safety Lessons
The incident underscores the importance of smoke detectors and fire escape routes in multi-unit buildings. Residents should be aware of potential fire hazards and report suspicious activity promptly. Building management must enforce safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. Regular inspections and mandatory fire extinguisher checks should be conducted quarterly now.
Ongoing Coverage
The News Of Los Angeles will continue to follow the case and provide updates on the trial and any new developments. Readers can subscribe to News Of Los Angeles‘s free True Crime newsletter for real-time alerts, and they can share the story on social media. This coverage will keep you informed about the proceedings and community response.
Key Takeaways
A mother’s desperate act saved her daughter’s life but left her in critical condition. The arson suspect faces eight felony charges, highlighting the legal consequences of setting a fire. The community is rallying to support the victims and rebuild.
