Couple charged in autistic son's fire death

ALBANY, Ore. — A couple killed their autistic son by setting fire to their apartment while the young man was locked inside, Albany police said.

Nicolaas Dirk DeGroot, 45, and Agnes Elizabeth DeGroot, 48, were charged with arson and manslaughter, police said.

Christopher Aire DeGroot was alone in the apartment when firefighters arrived May 14. The 19-year-old, who had severe autism, was flown to a Portland hospital, where he died Friday.

''The fire started on some paper on the living room floor,'' Police Capt. Jeff Hinrichs said Monday. ''Probable cause indicates the parents started the fire.''

In a statement, police said Christopher DeGroot could not escape because he had been locked inside the apartment by his parents, who had left him alone on the morning of the fire. The parents had installed a dead bolt lock on the door that required a key to unlock it from the inside. Locks had also been placed on the windows, police said.

The fire was contained to the DeGroots' apartment, which is located in a small complex in southeast Albany. Damage was estimated to be $77,000.

Two cats were rescued and taken to Linn Veterinary Hospital. A firefighter was injured and treated at the scene.

On Friday, the parents voluntarily went to the police department for questioning and were arrested by detectives. Both DeGroots were lodged in the Linn County Jail on $500,000 security.

They were arraigned Monday in Linn County Circuit Court.