Family of Woman Set On Fire Says DHS Threatens To Take Children

A woman remains in critical condition at Baptist Burn Center after a man set her on fire Tuesday. As she tries to recover, family members said DHS has threatened to take her three young daughters into custody.

Thursday, March 11th 2010, 9:58 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A woman remains in critical condition at Baptist Burn Center after a man set her on fire Tuesday. As she tries to recover, family members said DHS has threatened to take her three young daughters into custody.

Laura Miller suffered third-degree burns on 30 percent of her body. The father of her children, George Rodriguez, is accused of setting her on fire Tuesday afternoon. Rodriguez, 34, was arrested on two complaints of arson and one complaint of destroying police property.

Miller's three little girls, ages 3, 7 and 10, saw their mother's burned body Tuesday, then saw their father being arrested.

The girls have been staying with their uncle, but he said he's been told by DHS that his home isn't big enough. He said DHS gave him 24 hours to find a three-bedroom home but then turned around and said the family now needs to find a four bedroom home.

Miller's cousin Joe Beal has also been helping to take care of the girls and said he is worried for the children.

"They've already gone through so much. They need to be with family. They have to be with family. This isn't right," Beal said.

The family said DHS is giving them until 4 p.m. Friday to find a new home. Beal said they were told DHS will take the children and likely separate the girls if new housing isn't found by the deadline.

A DHS spokesperson said the agency cannot comment on specific cases.

Family members said the girls have few clothes because their clothes were in the pile of laundry that police said Rodriguez also lit on fire in an attempt set Miller's house on fire.

Financial donations, food and clothes are greatly needed for Miller's three girls.

Financial donations can be sent to:

LAURA MILLER DONATION FUND
Crossroads Church
8901 S. Shields
Oklahoma City, OK 73149

Crossroads Church is a drop-off site for all items.

Clothes:

3-year-old: Pants/Shirts – size 5
                  Shoes- size 10

7-year-old: Pants/Shirts- 7/8
                  Shoes- size 2

10-year-old: Pants- 10-12 or 14-16
                    Shoes- size 5

Shirt sizes can be small or medium for all three girls.

More on News9.com: Man Arrested After Oklahoma City Woman Set On Fire

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