Teens Rescue Children From Blaze
By Tina Annas
Staff Writer
Ponyboy
Curtis, 14, and Johnny Cade, 16, entered the burning
church and helped the children escape through a window. Both boys were injured
by fire and falling debris. Dallas Winston, 18, was injured while assisting in
getting Curtis and Cade away from the blaze. Curtis
was treated and released at the local hospital. Winston and Cade
suffered more serious injuries and were hospitalized.
Jerry Wood, a teacher of the rescued children,
praised the teens and commended them for bravery. Curtis spoke from the
hospital waiting room about the events leading up to the blaze. He and Cade have been sought and are being questioned in
connection with the stabbing death of Robert Sheldon just over a week ago.
Curtis told reporters the death was accidental and
that he and Cade were defending themselves from
Sheldon and his friends. Police say Sheldon’s death was a result of ongoing
tension between neighborhood gangs and teens from more affluent
neighborhoods.
Curtis said he and Cade left town last week after the stabbing, because they
were afraid they would be prosecuted for murder. Both boys had cut their hair
and tried to alter their appearances. They felt they had no chance of having
anyone believe the death was accidental or self-defense, Curtis said.
Cade
remains hospitalized in critical condition and faces manslaughter charges in
the Sheldon death. He suffered a broken back and third-degree burns. Curtis was
allowed to return home with his brothers, Soda Curtis, 16, and Darrel S. Curtis
Jr. The Curtis boys have been living together alone since the death of their
parents.
Despite the fact that several of Sheldon’s friends
have corroborated Curtis’ account of the fight, juvenile court authorities are
investigating the Curtis home situation and have scheduled a hearing to
determine if the younger Curtis boys may remain under the guardianship of their
brother.