NYC officials: Grandmother arrested after autistic child, left alone, dies in fire

Disabled boy dies in NY fire; grandmother charged

NEW YORK — Authorities say an autistic child died in a fire that he apparently set while he was left alone in a Brooklyn apartment.

His grandmother was arrested after the Tuesday fire. Tavon Turpin was pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital.

Police say 59-year-old Melinda McLain was charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

The name of her attorney was not immediately on record Wednesday.

Neighbors said they often saw the pair walking to the bus stop before school. They described McLain as loving and devoted, and Tavon as a happy child.