Firework Tragedy at Ashbrooke Apartments | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 29, 2026 · 1m

A deadly July 4th fire at the Ashbrooke Apartments in Dunn, sparked by illegal fireworks allegedly set off by 35-year-old Brittany Raquel Armstrong, claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy, Cashmere Elijah Parker. His stepfather and another person were injured while trying to rescue him. Four apartments were destroyed. Armstrong, who failed to appear for police questioning, was arrested July 7th, charged with involuntary manslaughter, arson, and illegal fireworks possession. She was released on $75,000 bond, appeared in court July 8th, and her next hearing was postponed. She’s scheduled to…