Kenosha Thanksgiving Blaze: Three Siblings Killed, Father Says He 'Panicked' and Searched for Help

A newly released Kenosha Police search warrant sheds fresh light on a Thanksgiving-night apartment fire that killed three children and left their father, 28-year-old Joshua Kannin, as the only survivor.

What Happened

Kannin told investigators he woke to smoke and flames, panicked and left the apartment to seek help. He said he called for his children while banging on a neighbor’s door but could not re-enter because thick smoke and limited visibility prevented him from reaching them.

Timeline According to the Warrant

• Around 9:00 p.m. on Nov. 27, Kannin said his sons Rylee (10) and Connor (9) went to sleep in a second-floor bedroom; his daughter Alena (7) was reportedly awake in the room when he went to bed about an hour later.
• Kannin said he woke a short time later, noticed a "little fire on the kitchen floor," and that his "eyes felt cloudy" from smoke.
• He told police he panicked, exited the home to seek help and called for his children. When he tried to re-enter, heavy smoke forced him to turn back.
• First responders arrived just before 11:00 p.m.; they found Rylee and Connor deceased in the kitchen/dining area and Alena severely burned (reported as either in the bedroom or near the stairwell). She later died at a hospital.

Investigation Details

Investigators recovered a black Samsung cell phone belonging to Kannin and searched it under a warrant; the search, according to the warrant, "did not reveal any evidence of criminal activity related to the fire." The warrant also notes that investigators are examining all possible causes, including arson and potential homicide.

Kenosha Police Clarification: Police emphasized that Wisconsin search-warrant applications must outline potential charges to establish probable cause. Mention of arson or homicide in a warrant does not mean charges will be filed; it reflects investigative scope.

Aftermath

Kannin was treated for smoke inhalation and released from the hospital the next morning, according to his former partner, Jourdan Feasby. Services for the three siblings were held the Friday after the fire; Feasby said Kannin attended but did not speak with mourners. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover funeral costs.

Authorities say the case is complex and ongoing. The Kenosha Police Department and the Kenosha Fire Department continue to methodically rule out causes as the investigation proceeds.