October Trial Set for Mom Charged After May Fire

A Woodridge mother started in the family's home is scheduled to stand trial in October.

Sunitha Budithi, 39, faces two counts of child endangerment in connection to a May fire inside the family's apartment on Double Eagle Drive. Budithi reportedly went outside to move her car when an unattended candle "ignited the residence." The candle was part of a shrine inside a closet, according to authorities and court records.

Budithi, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is set for trial on Oct. 24.

Lisle-Woodridge firefighters responded to the apartment complex around 7:45 a.m. on May 19 after a fire alarm went off. They arrived to find the children - one reported to be a six-year-old girl - inside the apartment.

Both were taken to Edward Hospital, where they were treated and released for smoke inhalation.