HOUSTON –  The mothers of four children who died in a 2011 home day care fire in Houston are telling jurors about the despair and grief they felt in its wake.

The parents tearfully testified Wednesday during the first day of the felony murder trial of the day care owner, Jessica Tata.

Prosecutors say Tata was shopping at Target when the fire started. Her attorneys say she never intended to harm the children.

Kenya Stradford, whose 20-month-old daughter Kendyll died in the blaze, told jurors her child's death was "heartbreaking."

The mothers said they had thought their children were safe with Tata, who is being tried in the death of 16-month-old Elias Castillo.

She faces up to life in prison if convicted.