A Kenosha father has been charged with three counts of neglect in connection with a November fire that claimed the lives of his three children, ages 10, 9 and 7.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Mother grieves loss of three children killed in Kenosha apartment fire
The fire occurred at 10:39 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at an apartment in the 5200 block of 43rd Avenue. Rylee, Connor and Alena Kannin died in the apartment fire. Their father, Joshua Kannin, was also injured.
Watch: Why a father is now facing charges in connection with an apartment fire that killed his three children last November.
Following a months-long investigation, authorities charged Joshua Kannin with neglect earlier this week.
A red flag came initially as fire investigators noted that there were no smoke alarms present in the apartment after the fire.
Kannin told authorities he had taken down the smoke alarm in the past because he believed it was malfunctioning and making noise.
"Everybody’s supposed to have smoke detectors," said neighbor Gregory Rawls. "You’re not even supposed to smoke inside of these apartments, most people come outside."
According to Kannin's lease, smoke alarms are required to be installed at all times, and it is the resident's responsibility to change the battery.
Kannin's property manager told police there are monthly checks on the alarms, but that Kannin "did not ever let them in to check the alarms."
The criminal complaint also documented proof of extreme clutter and hazardous conditions inside the apartment, such as a work bag, napkins, cigarettes and a wallet stored on top of the gas stove.
Kannin is expected in court in mid-May.
Watch: Kenosha father faces neglect charges after fire kills three kids
Fire investigators theorized that the two boys, ages 9 and 10, may have gone downstairs to cook food on the stove while their father was asleep — and that this may have started the fire.
The children's mother, Jourdan Feasby, who shared custody of the children, told investigators that Kannin had recently taught the older boy how to make ramen noodles, and that he was "proud" he could make it for his younger brother. Feasby described the household food situation at Kannin's house as "fend for yourself," and that Kannin didn't like to cook.
According to the criminal complaint, the smoke detectors had been removed before the fire because Kannin liked to smoke cigarettes in his apartment. The property manager told investigators that Kannin refused to allow maintenance workers in for a walkthrough and refused smoke detector checks.
If convicted, Kannin faces up to 75 years in prison — 25 years for each count.
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