RAYNE – A mother who allegedly left her young children alone while she went clubbing is charged with four counts of second degree murder after they burned to death late Saturday night.

Police said Shaqueta McDade, 26, was not home when the fire broke out just before midnight in the family mobile home on Edith Street.

The children - Jamari McDade, 8; Amoust Mouton, Jr., 7l LaShay McDade, 5; and Brian Steinerk 2 - were found trapped inside, two near the front door and two near the back.

According to investigators, the fire began in the living room, though they were uncertain how it started.

The fifth child in the family, and also the oldest, was staying with relatives at the time of the fire.

A neighbor said she had called police the night before the fire to report the children were alone on home. She said the kids were released to McDade on Saturday.

About a month ago, neighbors said, two-year-old Brian was walking along in the street about midnight and police were called.

Investigation continues.