Contributed by: CBrining
Kinglee Dunlap is a victim of geography.
The 35 year-old single father from Hamilton Township has been staying at the Econo Lodge in Egg Harbor Township since Wednesday because his home is still considered a crime scene.
Dunlap lived next door to Saily Abreu, a 36 year-old mother who was killed in her Oak Crest Estates townhouse last week, allegedly by her West Atlantic City boyfriend. The boyfriend then set the Laydon Court home ablaze and died in the fire, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel...Continue Reading
The flames destroyed the second and third floors of Abreu's house and firefighters had to break the wall adjoining Dunlap's house to battle them. Abreu's five daughters, who are 6 to 14 years-old, were at school at the time. The girls are being taken care of by relatives and friends, Housel said.
Madelaine Vitale, spokeswoman for the Atlantic County prosecutor, said the office is trying to contact the 31-year-old boyfriend's family, and his name will not be released until then. No motive for the crime has been provided.
In a phone interview with The Press of Atlantic City, Dunlap said he met Abreu's girls and their relatives by the house several hours after the fire. Dunlap said he offered his prayers and that he hopes the family receives continued support.
"A year from now, six months, it's forgotten about. ... We really got to keep in touch with the girls and see how they are doing because it's a dramatic change," he said.
Abreu's family had moved in Oak Crest Estates from Absecon about three weeks ago. Dunlap said he spoke with them briefly at the bus stop because his son, Nysere, 7, attends the same school as Abreu's children.
Regarding his own situation, Dunlap said he was only allowed back inside his house once to retrieve some important papers.
Dunlap, an unemployed massage therapist who works at Lens Crafters, said he hopes to return soon to his house with his son and find enough money to make repairs the building.
"Home will never be home again," Dunlap said. "But with prayers and love, we will move forward."
E-mail Michelle Lee: MLee@pressofac.com
How to help
The Hamilton Township School District and the Oak Crest Homeowners Association are collecting donations of clothing, gift cards and other necessities for the families affected by this week's Laydon Court fire. For more information, call Debbie Fiamingo, Hamilton Township school emergency management secretary at 609-476-6111 or Carol Johnston, Oak Crest Estates property manager at 609-625-7442.
This story was taken from the news source stated above. It is not the opinion of The Elwood Vol. Fire Company or it's members.
Elwood Fire Rescue
https://www.evfc160.com/main/article.php/200903090812044