Tom Cleary, Staff Writer
Updated 11:44 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011
BRIDGEPORT -- Two days after a 7-year-old boy was killed in a fire at a Highland Avenue home, the family faced renewed anguish when they returned to the house to find thousands of dollars worth of belongings had been stolen.
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, a second-grader at New Beginnings Family Academy, died early Monday after he was trapped in his bedroom as it was engulfed in flames. Family members and firefighters tried to save the boy, but were not able to reach him in time. He died of smoke inhalation.
On Wednesday, his family returned to the home to find televisions, computers, cash, clothes, sneakers, radios, cameras, games and more had been stolen, Kyle's aunt, Sabrina Jean-Baptiste, said.
"This is a lot to deal with, on top of the expense of the funeral for Kyle and repairing the home," she said in an email. "They even stole at least one camera that had photos of Kyle."
She said police are investigating the burglary, but don't have a suspect.
School officials at the New Beginnings Family Academy are raising money to help pay for funeral costs and support the Jean-Baptiste family, according to a letter sent to parents. The Friends of New Beginnings Family Academy foundation is taking donations at the school, located at 184 Garden St. in Bridgeport. Those wishing to make a donation can also call the foundation's office at 203-610-6267. The letter, from Principal Paul A. Whyte, stated a memorial will be established to honor Kyle Jean-Baptiste.
According to Whyte, assemblies were held at the school, and students were provided an opportunity to share memories about Kyle.
"Awesome, nice, kind, and great friend were the adjectives used to describe Kyle," Whyte said.
Ronelle P. Swagerty, director of New Beginnings, said the foundation has been getting a steady flow of donations, mostly from parents, but also from the general public. Swagerty said the family did not have life insurance on Kyle, and the funeral cost will be about $9,000.
Swagerty also said Kyle's mother came to the school on Wednesday to express her gratitude and thank everyone for their support.
"She is barely holding on," Swagerty said.
A fund has also been established at People's United Bank for those who want to donate money to the Jean-Baptiste family. Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit or call a People's United Bank location and ask for the "Kyle Jean-Baptiste Fund."
Kyle's funeral will be held at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church at 1301 Stratford Ave. in Stratford.
State police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said the state fire marshal's office is leading the investigation into the cause of the blaze, along with the Bridgeport police and city fire marshal's office.
Tom Cleary can be reached at 203-540-9827 or by email at tcleary@ctpost.com. Follow him on Twitter @tomwcleary.
© 2011 Hearst Communications Inc.