Mom sentenced in disabled daughter’s death in fire

VIENNA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman charged with child endangerment after her disabled daughter died in a fire was sentenced to 14 years in prison Friday but could get out much sooner.

A judge ruled that Tracy Ellis' behavior will be reviewed after 120 days, at which time she could be released on probation, according to the Maries County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Ellis pleaded guilty in March to first-degree child endangerment in her daughter's March 2019 death.

Investigators alleged Ellis left her 14-year-old daughter -- who could not walk or speak -- at home alone in bed. Around the bed was a gate or fence with a clasp, according to a probable cause statement.

Court documents said a bookcase and dresser were blocking the window and the fire and smoke were too intense for anyone to get inside. Firefighters were eventually able to enter the trailer using a crowbar-like tool and found the teen’s remains.