A Wisconsin father is facing multiple child neglect charges after allegedly leaving his three children to die in a house fire on Thanksgiving. Joshua Kannin, 39, is accused of fleeing his burning Kenosha home while his children—Rylee, 10; Connor, 9; and Alena, 7—remained inside. According to a criminal complaint obtained by the New York Post, Kannin told police he panicked and ran outside, thinking he needed to get help.
Details of the Incident
Kenosha police responded to 911 calls on November 27, 2025, where a distressed Kannin, clad only in his underwear, begged for help. First responders found the two brothers on the first floor and their sister on the second floor. The boys died at the scene, while Alena was rushed to the hospital with severe burns covering 80 percent of her body. She later succumbed to her injuries.
Kannin was also hospitalized after the blaze. He reportedly admitted to smoking a cigarette before bed and woke up in the middle of the night, unsure if it was due to his cat making noise or smoke. He went to the kitchen, saw a small fire, and panicked, walking out the front door. He told authorities he tried to re-enter but was overwhelmed by smoke.
Lack of Safety Measures
Firefighters discovered no smoke detectors in the home. Kannin allegedly said his smoke detector frequently malfunctioned, so he removed it. Additionally, boards were nailed over windows to prevent burglaries. Investigators found a stovetop burner left on, and evidence suggested two children may have gone to the kitchen to prepare food before the fire started.
Mother's Grief and Call for Justice
The children's mother, Jourdan Feasby, spoke to CBS58, describing her ex's apartment as 'disgusting' and a 'fend for yourself' environment. She had repeatedly urged him to install smoke detectors, contacting his mother and landlord. 'I was on him about not having the smoke detectors,' she said. Feasby expressed profound grief, saying she is 'just a shell' and living her 'worst nightmare.'
The fire was ruled an accidental common household fire, with no evidence of arson. Feasby feels 'bittersweet' about the charges but insists there must be 'serious repercussions' for her ex-husband.
