Doubts cast on baby sitter in Pittsburgh fatal fire

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Investigators have doubts whether a teenage baby sitter who was supposed to be watching five children killed in a row house fire really exists.

Witnesses and neighbors are providing information that “has a tendency to cast doubt” on the baby sitter’s existence, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Diane Richard said.

“Legally, and in all fairness, we will continue the investigation so we can completely rule that out,” she said.

The blaze, reported at about 1:20 a.m. Tuesday, began when children playing with matches set fire to furnishings in the living room of the three-story house in the city’s Larimer neighborhood, officials said. The five children, who were found in an adjoining bedroom, died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.