Fire Kills Mother, Twins in Henderson

Crews were called to 139 Shank St. at 7:30 a.m. That's where Stacy Moore lived with her 12-year-old son and daughter, Kadarrius and Khadijah, who were fraternal twins.

A malfunctioning air conditioning unit may have sparked the fire, which killed the family of three, officials said.

Firefighters found all three victims huddled together in the kitchen, and a preliminary investigation showed that the family tried to get out of the house. It appears all three died of smoke inhalation.

Moore was a single mother who worked at the Rose’s Stores’ wholesale distribution and warehouse center, family members said. Relatives said the boy and girl were as different as night and day, but were inseparable.

“I know everything’s for a reason. I wish I knew why,” said Veronica Moore, Stacy Moore’s sister.

A neighbor saw the flames Saturday morning and called 911. Firefighters first tried the side door, but couldn't get through. They later discovered furniture was blocking it, so they pushed through the front, where the fire was the most intense.

Crews put out the fire within minutes, officials said, but it was too late for the Moore family.

“I was real disturbed to see in the kitchen,” said Henderson Fire Chief Danny Wilkerson. “It was just almost like they ran into a dead end wall and couldn’t get out.”

Fire officials said they believe the fire is not suspicious, but they are continuing to investigate. The State Bureau of Investigation and Henderson Police Department are assisting.

Relatives said one piece of comfort is knowing Stacy died protecting her kids - the way she did in life.

“And I know right now they’re smiling down on me, and I have to be strong,” Veronica said. “And I know they’re in a better place right now.”

Stacy and her children will be buried in Boydton, Va., on Thursday. That's where she was born and raised. Family members are also considering a memorial service in Henderson on Wednesday.