Group home resident sets self on fire, worker arrested

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A Hartford group home worker was arrested Tuesday in connection with a fire that killed a resident last summer.

Faylene E. Wilson, 69, of 71 Monroe St., Hartford, was charged with one count first-degree reckless endangerment after a 59-year-old man died of smoke inhalation and fire-related injuries while under her care.

The incident happened on the night of June 18-19, 2011, at Fernwood Manor. Officials say Wilson was the lone overnight supervisor and was responsible for enforcing a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

According to the arrest warrant, the victim exited the home at 4:15 a.m. and proceeded to a gazebo in the back yard. Approximately 10 minutes later "a flash of bright light was observed on the surveillance video" and another resident of the home reported seeing the victim on the ground engulfed in flames.

Wilson admitted to health department inspectors that she fell asleep around 2 a.m. and was unaware of what happened until she was woken up by a Hartford police officer responding to 911 call about the incident around 4:40 a.m.

In total, official say six of the homes residents were seen on surveillance video coming and going unsupervised from as early as 12:03 a.m.

Wilson was released on a promise to appear in Hartford Superior Court on February 22nd.