safety
Mother and father charged after 3 children left alone in cockroach-infested home during fire, authorities say
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
Key takeaway According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child.
Why this matters in The Nashville
This disturbing incident in Columbia, South Carolina, raises concerns about the safety and well-being of children in similar situations in Nashville . The fact that three young children were left alone in a cockroach-infested home, which ultimately caught fire, is a stark reminder of the need for robust social services and support systems for vulnerable families. In Nashville, where poverty and neglect can sometimes lead to similar situations, it is crucial for authorities to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing such cases. The Nashville community should be aware of the importance of reporting suspected cases of child neglect and abuse, and local organizations should be equipped to provide necessary resources and assistance to families in need. As this case unfolds, Nashville residents should consider the local implications and the need for strengthened support systems to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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