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The Party
For years, Kennon and Betty Peterson threw a party at their house in Picayune, Mississippi, on New Year's Eve. But that tradition would end in tragedy. Before the bash one year, Kennon bought a large supply of firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles and aerial sparklers from nearby Joey's Fireworks. The Petersons also asked their guests to supply extra fireworks for the night's finale.
Among the neighbors invited was Mary McMillen, who lived across the street. She brought along her seven-year-old grandson, Brandon Keith, who was visiting from New Orleans.By the time everyone had arrived, the Petersons' traditional bonfire was beginning to blaze in the front yard. Later that evening, the younger kids waved sparklers. But the highlight of the bash came when everybody, children included, set off the fireworks. The fun lasted until shortly after midnight, when the party came to a close.
The next morning, trash covered the Petersons' yard. The revelers had also dropped unused and spent fireworks all over the property. Betty's sister, Mae Langston, helped Kennon get rid of the mess, throwing trash -- and some fireworks that had never been lit -- into the still smoldering bonfire. Luckily, none of them ignited.
In the meantime, two of the Petersons' sons, ages eight and seven, played in the yard while Betty took care of their one-year-old son inside the house.
Brandon Keith, who had stayed overnight at his grandmother's, asked her if he could go to the Petersons' house. She said he could, so, said Brandon, he asked Betty if it was okay for him to play in her yard. Brandon said that when he got her permission, he joined the Peterson boys in their game of hide-and-seek.
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