By Sara Beth Williams–
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched by a family expecting a new baby whose nursery was destroyed due to suspected arson.
The Cadena family has set up a GoFundMe fundraising page following the destruction of their new nursery inside their home in Citrus Heights. The nursery room was destroyed when three juveniles allegedly threw firecrackers through the window into the home.
The fundraising efforts were set up by the sister of the Cadena family, who says her brother and sister-in-law are expecting to welcome a new baby in two weeks.
Citrus Heights Police arrested three juveniles suspected of committing the act of arson on Tuesday evening, following what police described as a dispute between the juveniles and another juvenile who lived at a home on the 7700 block of Bierston Street.
“They had everything ready. The nursery was set up, and they were excited to bring baby Noah home,” Kristy Cadena wrote, adding that someone “intentionally” threw a firecracker into the room through the window. The firework ignited the mattress on fire.
While the fire was contained to the room, smoke caused damage throughout the rest of the home, and severely damaged all the contents of the new nursery, Sacramento Metro Fire District said. The incident was captured on camera, local news reports say.
“As they prepare for the arrival of their baby, they are now faced with the unexpected expense of replacing the nursery, baby essentials, and repairing the damage to the room caused by the fire,” Cadena said on the fundraising page, adding that all donations will go toward replacing the baby’s furniture, clothing, diapers, and other necessities, as well as helping the family recover from the damage.
Just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening, Citrus Heights Police responded to reports of a house on fire in a neighborhood near Antelope Road and Tupelo Drive. Upon arrival to the home, officers learned that the fire was suspected to have been started by juveniles, and that a dispute had taken place between a juvenile at the residence of the home on fire, and an unknown number of other juveniles not at the scene at the time.
The GoFundMe for the family has raised almost $5,000 as of Thursday. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so here: Fundraiser by Kristy Cadena : Support Anthony, Leslie and Baby Noah After Devastating Fire
*Donation links are provided only as a community resource. The Sentinel is not involved in the collection or distribution of funds and cannot guarantee the outcome of any fundraising effort.
Related: Three juveniles arrested in Citrus Heights on suspicion of arson – Citrus Heights Sentinel
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