A Michigan mother has been accused of deliberately setting a house fire that killed her 12-year-old daughter, Shamiya Stewart, while her two younger children managed to escape.
The shocking case has left the community reeling, with authorities describing it as a “cruel and unimaginable crime” committed by a mother against her own children.
Fire Claims Young Life, Two Children Survive
The fire broke out Saturday night in Grand Rapids. By the time first responders arrived, flames had engulfed the home, trapping Shamiya inside.
Her two younger siblings, ages 7 and 10, survived the blaze. Shamiya was rushed to a hospital but died from her injuries on Monday night.
Fire Chief Brad Brown said the screams from inside the burning home will haunt first responders forever.
“The screams will live on in our heads for the rest of our lives,” he said.
Mother Allegedly Removed Smoke Detectors, Used Lighter Fluid
Authorities say the children’s mother, 46-year-old Roconda Singleton, intentionally removed seven smoke detectors from the house before dousing it with lighter fluid and setting it on fire.
She was outside when police arrived, showing no signs of attempting to rescue her children, investigators said.
“This is a shockingly cruel, unimaginable crime,” Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated.
Mother Arrested and Charged
Singleton appeared in court Tuesday, where she was charged with arson and child abuse.
She does not yet have a lawyer, and a judge entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. Additional charges are expected.
In a court filing, police said Singleton admitted to setting the fire. Prosecutors also noted that mental health issues may have played a role, as Singleton was placed in a treatment center earlier this year.
Victim’s Father Pleads for Prayers
The tragedy has devastated Shamiya’s father, Lyn Stewart, who struggled to find words in the wake of his daughter’s death.
“It’s hard. It’s hard for me,” he said tearfully. “Just keep the family in prayer, please. That’s all I can say.”
The case remains under investigation, and Singleton is expected to face further legal proceedings in the coming weeks.