MI Girl, 12, Dies After House Fire That Was Intentionally Set By Her Mom: Police

KENT COUNTY, MI — A western Michigan woman is facing a murder charge after intentionally setting a house fire that killed her 12-year-old daughter Saturday, according to a news report.

Shamiya Stewart died Monday night, two days after the fire at a Grand Rapids home in the 900 block of Eastern Avenue SE. in Grand Rapids, according to police.

Two other children, ages 7 and 10, survived the fire and did not have life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Roconda Singleton, 46, was charged with felony murder, first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. She was placed in jail with a bond initially set at $500,000.

If convicted on the felony murder charge, she faces up to life in prison.

Police said Singleton removed multiple smoke detectors from the house and poured lighter fluid before setting the fire.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Singleton outside the home, which was engulfed in flames, according to police.

Police said in a court document that Singleton admitted to setting the fire. They also believe mental health played a role in the fire.

"This is a shockingly cruel, unimaginable crime committed by a mom against her three kids," Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said.

A GoFundMe page was created to help Shamiya's father and her siblings cover burial expenses, legal fees, care for the surviving siblings and other necessary costs.

"Shamiya was a fighter from the day she was born and fought to the very end," the GoFundMe page said. "She grew to be a loving young lady who loved music, loved to dance, and loved her electronics. Shamiya also loved her dad and her siblings. She was truly a daddy’s girl."