The aunt and uncle of twin girls who were rescued from a house fire in Miami-Dade are facing serious charges related to the alleged arson, officials said.
Bernard Ethridge, 30, is charged with first-degree arson and two counts of attempted murder in the Thursday night fire on NW 49th Street, Miami-Dade jail records showed.
Felicia Ethridge, 27, Bernard's wife, is facing two charges of child neglect causing great bodily harm.
Bernard Ethridge was being held without bond Friday, while Felicia Ethridge was being held on $7,500 bond. It was unknown if they have hired private attorneys.
Officials said neighbors called 911 to report smoke billowing out of the home.
"They were like 'help, help,' coming out like waving at the window," Jason Williams said. "I wasn't sure because the blinds were moving around and I was 'what's that?' and I heard 'help, help, help, help.'"
"They could hear voices and breathing in a bedroom that's locked. So, they knocked the door down and when they start searching they find two kids approximately 4 or 5 years old hiding underneath the sheets on the bed," Miami Fire Rescue Asst. Chief Pete Gomez said.
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Police have yet to comment on the arrests.
