Erie News Now has confirmed that the mother of four of the five children who lost their lives in the West 11th Street home daycare fire in August, has now retained legal counsel.

According to an attorney with Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barret & Bendesky of Philadelphia, they will be co-counsel for Shevona Overton, along with Attorney Tom Fitzpatrick, also of Philadelphia.  Fitzpatrick has represented other Erie clients, including the family of Montrice Bolden in an alleged police abuse case.

On behalf of the estates of La'Myhia-8, Luther Jr.-6, Ava Jones-4, and baby Jaydan Augustyniak-9 months, the lawyers will be doing their own investigation to find out what happened at the daycare leading to the tragic fire and why.

Speaking to us by phone, Shevona told Erie News Now that talking with the attorneys is not about seeking money, but about seeing that significant change happens to ensure the safety of other children across Pennsylvania.

As we first reported last month, Karina Facchiano, mother of 2-year-old Dalvin Pacley, will be represented by the Saltz, Mongeluzzi firm as well as by local counsel, John Carlson.