Authorities said an autistic child died in a fire that he apparently set while he was left alone in a Brooklyn apartment.

His grandmother was arrested after the Tuesday fire. The child who set the fire, Tavon Turpin, was pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital.

Police said Melinda McLain, 59, was charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

The name of her attorney was not immediately on record Wednesday.

Neighbors said they often saw the pair walking to the bus stop before school. They described McLain as loving and devoted, and Turpin as a happy child.

- AP

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

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