9-year-old arson victim was born in Perryville

A 9-year-old girl born in Perryville, Mo., was among four children killed Friday in an apparent arson at her home in Percy, Ill.

Kailey A. Owen and her brothers Ethan, 12, and 5-year-old twins Brandan and Landan Owen were asleep at their home in Percy when fire broke out about 2 a.m., The Associated Press reported.

Their parents, Mathew and Natasha Owen; a 6-year-old sibling; and an 18-year-old cousin escaped the fire, the AP reported. The 6-year-old was treated for smoke inhalation.

An obituary from Wilson Funeral Home in Steeleville, Ill., indicates that Kailey was born June 26, 2003, in Perryville. The children's maternal grandmother, Neomia Kathy Pittman, lives in Perryville.

Derrick Twardoski, 33, pleaded not guilty Monday to four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fire, which authorities said was intentionally set, the AP reported. A Randolph County, Ill., judge ordered him to remain jailed without bond.

Visitation for all four children will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Steeleville. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the church.

Pertinent address:

Percy, Ill.

Steeleville, Ill.