A deeply tragic case has unfolded in Wisconsin, where a father faces felony charges after allegedly fleeing a fire that led to the deaths of his three young children. The incident has left the community in shock, as questions about parental responsibility, neglect, and the tragic loss of life continue to be raised.
Father Faces Felony Charges After Fire Kills Three Children
Joshua Kannin, 39, has been charged with three counts of child neglect resulting in death following the deaths of his three children: 10-year-old Rylee, 9-year-old Connor, and 7-year-old Alena. The charges stem from a tragic fire that engulfed Kannin’s apartment on November 27, 2025.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kannin put his children to bed around 9 p.m. on the night of the fire. He said that shortly after, he woke up and noticed “a little fire” in the kitchen. He reportedly panicked, ran to his neighbor’s apartment for help, and did not immediately try to save his children.
When Kannin returned to his apartment, he told police he heard his children inside but was unable to re-enter due to heavy smoke. He claimed, “I tried to go back in, but smoke just came at me and I couldn’t see. I barely got two steps in and I had to turn back around.”
The Search and Rescue Effort
By the time police and firefighters arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m., Kannin’s apartment was fully engulfed in flames. Tragically, his two sons, Connor and Rylee, were found dead in the kitchen, where it is believed the fire started. His daughter, Alena, was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.
The Cause of the Fire
Investigators believe that the fire may have been caused by the boys cooking on the stove. They found evidence that Connor and Rylee were trying to cook noodles when the fire broke out. One of the stove burners was found in the “on” position, and it was suspected that various items left near the stove, including donuts, a toaster, and napkins, could have ignited.
Kannin also admitted to police that he had unhooked the smoke alarms in the apartment because he found them to be “an annoyance,” as they were reportedly going off randomly. He also admitted to smoking inside the apartment, despite the property’s rules, and boarding up the windows to prevent burglary.
The Mother’s Heartbreak
Jourdan Feasby, the mother of the children, had dropped them off to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with their father. She later told police that she thought Kannin’s apartment was “absolutely disgusting” and that the food situation for the children was lackluster, with the kids essentially left to “fend for themselves.”
In an interview with People, Feasby shared her grief and disbelief, recounting a conversation she had with Kannin while he was being treated for smoke inhalation at the hospital. She asked him, “You wouldn’t grab the kids first?” indicating her shock at the events and the failure to prioritize his children’s safety.
The Legal and Community Response
The Kenosha Fire Department clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that Kannin intentionally caused the fire, either through negligence or malicious actions. However, Kannin’s actions in the moments leading up to and following the fire have raised serious concerns about his responsibility as a parent.
Kannin now faces three felony counts of child neglect causing death. His first court appearance is scheduled for May 14, 2026. As of now, Kannin has not appeared on any jail rosters, and authorities continue to await his legal proceedings.
Community Support and Fundraising
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help with funeral expenses and other costs related to the tragedy. The loss of three young children has left the community devastated, and many are rallying to support the surviving family members during this incredibly difficult time.
