Mom arrested on murder charge after child dies in fire

A 23-year-old Carson City woman was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of child abuse causing substantial bodily harm and open murder.

The woman’s 3-year-old daughter died Tuesday after a house fire in the 500 block of Shoshone Street in south Carson City. Her 2-year-old boy is in Renown Medical Center after suffering from smoke inhalation. He is expected to survive, according to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office.

Upon investigation of the fire, Carson City Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Samantha Rose Paulino. Paulino allegedly left her children unattended.

Washoe Tribal Police and Carson City Fire crews responded to a report of a fully engulfed structure fire at 12:07 p.m.

Officers attempted to enter the residence to determine if victims were inside but were unable to make entry due to the smoke and fire, according to a press release. After failed attempts to enter, neighbors informed the Tribal Officers that two children could possibly be inside, as they were often left alone by their mother, the release said.

Carson City Fire units arrived on scene at 12:12 and were informed of the possibility that children might well be inside. Rescue operations resulted in the retrieval of two children, ages 2 and 3. Both children were described as unresponsive, but breathing, and were transported to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. At the scene of the fire, there were no adult care givers present.

At the Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, the 3-year-old female died. A third child, an 8-year-old 8 year male, was in school during the fire incident.

While firefighters were suppressing the fire, Paulino told officers that she had gone to register for college classes and left the children home, the release said.

She was immediately taken into custody, being held without bail.

The prosecution of the case will be handed by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney, due to Paulino not being of tribal heritage.

Carson Sheriff’s Detectives coordinated their responses with the state Division of Child Protective Services and the Carson City Fire Department. The father of the children was identified as Aldean Street Jr., who was working in Fernley at the time of the fire. Cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Carson City Fire Department authorities.

This investigation remains active. Anyone with information should contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 775-283-7856, or 775-887-COPS.