FIRE VICTIM DIES Starlena Pratt Removed From Life Support
Reported by: Meredith Wood
Videographer: Brad Rice
Web Producer: Meredith Wood Updated: September 3, 2008 6:37pm
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After a month long battle in Cabell Huntington Hospital's Burn Unit, Starlena Pratt can now rest in peace.
Marcia Chandler, Starlena's Mother, "I just didn't want her to keep suffering."
Starlena's mother, Marcia Chandler, made the hardest decision a parent could ever make, to take her 28 year old daughter off life support.
Tuesday doctors were going to amputate Star's arms but her vital signs were too low.
Marcia Chandler, "I just kept rubbing her and saying 'Star, I wish you could tell momma what to do'. It was really hard."
Star was burned over 40% of her body last month.
South Charleston Police say her boyfriend Allen Rhodes set her on fire with an accelerant.
Now Chandler and domestic violence counselor Elizabeth Crawford want other women to heed their warnings.
Elizabeth Crawford, Domestic Violence Counselor, "They have got to seek help. They have got to get out of the situation. Domestic violence doesn't go away on its own."
Now Chandler's family portraits will be without one smiling face.
She says Starlena is now her angel but didn't expect to say goodbye so soon.
Marcia Chandler, "I would have took care of her. I would have took care of her the rest of my life."
Starlena Pratt will be laid to rest Tuesday, September 9, 2008.
The service will be at Grace Bible Church in Charleston.
Meanwhile, no additional charges have been filed against Rhodes yet.
Police say they are talking with the Fire Marshal and prosecutor's office before they do.
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