Michigan Mother Charged with Arson in House Fire That Claimed Daughter’s Life
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—A woman from western Michigan faces charges for allegedly starting a house fire that claimed the life of her 12-year-old daughter, who was trapped in a bedroom.
“This is a shockingly cruel, unimaginable crime perpetrated by a mother against her three children,” stated Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom.
Shamiya Stewart passed away on Monday night, two days following the fire incident in Grand Rapids. Her two siblings, aged 7 and 10, survived the ordeal.
According to Winstrom, the 46-year-old mother disconnected smoke detectors in the home and used lighter fluid to ignite the blaze before she was found outside when officers arrived.
Fire Chief Brad Brown remarked that the screams heard from inside the house “will haunt us for the rest of our lives.”
Roconda Singleton made an appearance in court on Tuesday facing charges of arson and child abuse. As she has not yet obtained legal representation, a judge entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. Further charges are anticipated.
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Prosecutor Chris Becker indicated that Singleton’s mental health may have influenced the tragic events. Court documents reveal she was admitted to a local treatment facility in 2024.
