Apr 28, 2015 1 min read

Chartiers Township police obtained an arrest warrant Monday for a mother accused of leaving her three children home alone last week.

Starrla R. Murphy, 44, of 90 Barnickle St., Meadow Lands, is charged with three counts each of reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children.

Township police were called to the home about 10:40 p.m. Thursday after her 14-year-old son called 911. He reported he and his 12-year-old brother had a confrontation. The younger boy reportedly had a large knife and was threatening his older brother. The 12-year-old also allegedly was cutting items in the home with the knife.

Police said when Murphy learned her son had called police, she left the home. The two boys and their 4-year-old sister were alone when police arrived.

The 14-year-old boy also told police his mother had been drinking and did not want him to call police. Police found several cellphone chargers and electrical cords on the floor in one of the rooms that the younger boy apparently cut with the knife.

Washington County Children and Youth Services were notified. The children are staying with a family member.

Murphy will be arraigned at a later date before District Judge David Mark.