Boy in Fire Was Killed by Mother, Police Say
A 10-year-old boy found dead in his apartment was killed by his mother, who then killed herself by setting fires in the home, police said.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that 10-year-old Justin Lawson died as a result of blunt force head injuries, and 30-year-old Colletta McKinney died of smoke inhalation. The findings were released after autopsies were completed Thursday night.
San Diego police investigators believe McKinney struck her son on the head before setting two mattresses on fire.
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