Rush County mom charged in fire that claimed life of her son

(ARLINGTON, Ind.) – A Rush County mother has been charged in connection to a house fire that claimed the life of her child earlier this summer.

The fire happened on County Road 700 West in Arlington on June 5. 

7-year-old David Bowers Jr. passed away at the scene as a result of the fire. 

Rush County deputies began investigating and said they had seen numerous suspicious circumstances during the fire.

The mother, 31-year-old Kirstin Bowers, told police that she had fallen asleep in a bed with a cigarette and woke up to the bed being on fire, investigators said. 

“Kirstin Bowers advised she attempted to get the children out of the residence one by one, however due to smoke and fire she was unable to rescue David Bowers Jr,” Rush County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Morgan. 

Investigators say surveillance footage, witness statements and other technology led them to reveal that Kirstin Bowers had left the home and walked several blocks away during the time of the fire. 

“This left four small children inside the residence. It is suspected that three children exited the residence on their own and David Bowers Jr. was unable to get out,” Morgan added. 

Bowers was charged today with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death and three counts of Neglect of a Dependent.

She is currently housed in the Shelby County Jail on unrelated charges.

Rush County Detective Randy Meek called it a tragic event and also credited the firefighters for their heroic actions during the blaze. 

“These men and women willingly put their own safety at risk in an effort to rescue David Bowers Jr. Their bravery and selflessness on that day deserve our deepest gratitude and highest commendation." Meek said. 

There were six fire departments who worked the fire including Posey Township, Carthage, Manilla, Rushville Township, City of Rushville and Morristown.

The Rush County Sheriff's Office was assisted in this investigation by the: Indiana State Fire Marshal Office, Rushville Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Delaware County High Tech Crime Unit, Indiana State Police, Rush County Coroner's Office, and Indiana Department of Child Services.