MI - Mother sets fire to house with 3 children inside, killing 12-year old daughter - Grand Rapids, 1/26/2025

[Clearsky]

Mom allegedly confesses to removing smoke detectors before setting deadly fire with sleeping children inside

“I want to say that she should be locked up for life for killing my sister,” one of her daughters said.

nypost.com

“I did it,” Roconda Singleton, 46, allegedly told cops of burning her Grand Rapids house early Saturday, officials told Fox 17. “I am not going to sit here and play like I am the victim.”

 

[borndem]

Don't know quite what to say or think. At least the mother confessed...
And at least there were survivors -- don't know how badly they may be hurt.
The 10 year-old is a hero, certainly putting herself at great risk by saving one of the others. SMH. Another "why, why, why" situation.
Hoping the survivors will be okay, and hoping they have loving relatives to care for those two.

 

[tlcya]

According to court documents, Singleton told police she intended to die with her daughters "so they could be free."
[snip]
Prosecutors say mental health is likely to play a role in Singleton's sentencing.
[snip]
Singleton is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11
Neighbors remember 12-year-old killed in Grand Rapids fire as mother faces murder charge

Documents showed that Singleton had previously undergone mental health treatment, including being admitted to Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in August.
https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/mom-charged-with-murder-in-deadly-grand-rapids-house-fire/

In probable cause documents obtained by 13 ON YOUR SIDE, police said Singleton admitted to using lighter fluid to begin a fire in the upstairs bathroom. She then doused the couch in lighter fluid and began another fire on the first floor.
Kent Co. Prosecutor: Mom who set fire to home with her children still inside now charged with murder

RIP Shamiya. May your siblings receive the help they need to recover from this event.