Bozeman, MT

Tragedy struck in Bozeman this weekend when a supposedly ‘indestructible’ fort collapsed, severely injuring two children in the process. Erected by Peter Johnson, 7, and Jacob Johnson, 11, in the family’s living room, the fort was made of pillows, blankets, clothespins, neckties, and a broom. The clubhouse was reported to have four entranceways, a turret for spying, a ‘No Girls Allowed’ sign, and a central room for snacks.  Only minutes before the structure gave in, Jacob was heard from inside the structure saying, “We built the coolest fort ever” and, “Stop hitting yourself Peter” before the right corner stone pillow toppled over, crushing the children inside.

In an investigation launched to discover the party responsible for the deaths of the children, officials reported that the building was not up to code. Among the several infractions and building violations that were overlooked during the forts construction, perhaps the most flagrant was the sole broom in the middle holding up the entire structure. It would be that very broom that would impale Peter’s left hand.

Babysitter Courtney Lee, 16, is currently on trial. She testified yesterday saying, ‘We were on our second viewing of Dumbo when the kids said they were getting bored because we watch it every time I come over and it’s near the bottom of all-time Disney movies. They said the wanted to build a fort. So we started to, but I had to go use the bathroom and only a minute later I heard screams’

Local detective Alex Ramirez is currently investigating whether or not the evidence corroborates her story. While she claimed to have been using the bathroom during the collapse, cell phone records indicate that she was likely using FaceTime with her boyfriend, Kevin. The Johnson family will no longer hire Courtney, and her hourly wage has decreased from $20 per hour to $15, a change that is surely to affect her college savings and weekend spending money.

Local babysitters in Bozeman are outraged, claiming Courtney’s actions have set a bad precedent for the babysitting community at large. ‘This is an outrage,’ friend and fellow babysitter, Christy, 16, comments. “I always attain the permits and run the proper inspections before constructing a fort. What Courtney did is unforgivable and does not represent the majority of responsible babysitting community.’