Honk News (Grand Rapids, MI) – A Michigan mother is in custody after reportedly igniting a fire in her home while her three children were present, resulting in the tragic death of her 12-year-old daughter. Authorities have described the incident as a “shockingly cruel, unimaginable” act of arson.
Roconda Singleton, 46, carefully took down all seven smoke detectors from her residence before soaking the area in lighter fluid and igniting it on Saturday, as reported by officials from the Grand Rapids Police Department during a press conference on Monday.
“I want to say that she should be locked up for life for killing my sister,” Singleton’s 10-year-old daughter, who survived, told local NBC affiliate WOOD on Monday night after her 12-year-old sibling, Shamiya Singleton, died from injuries suffered in the fire.
“Everybody was trying to save my mom and she just wanted to lay down on her bed while her room was lighted up with fire,” the child said. “And she did not want to go but she finally came out. She wouldn’t tell where [Shamiya] was, so I had to keep leading them to my sister.”
Singleton, facing serious charges including first-degree arson and multiple counts of second-degree child abuse, is accused of igniting a fire at her residence on Saturday morning. Over 40 firefighters from 13 units rushed to combat the fire that quickly engulfed Singleton’s residence, as reported by officials from the Grand Rapids Fire Department.
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Authorities reported that a bag with smoke detectors belonging to Singleton was discovered in her backyard.
“This is a mom that meticulously took all seven of her smoke detectors and put them in a bag and removed them from the house before she poured lighter fluid all over the house and lit it on fire in an attempt to kill her three children,” Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom told reporters.
“I think she covered the couch in lighter fluid,” Winstrom added. “That’s a pretty effective way to start a fire.”
At the press conference on Monday, Singleton’s 10-year-old received commendations as a “hero,” with law enforcement noting her quick thinking in getting her surviving sibling and Shamiya to safety by notifying first responders of their location within the home.
Shamiya sustained burns covering 30% of her body and experienced smoke inhalation, ultimately resulting in her passing on Monday night. Before her passing, her father referred to her as a “fighter” during an interview with WOOD.
“She ain’t deserve this at all,” said Lyn Stewart, Shamiya’s dad. “She’s a good child. She’s my special baby. She was in the NICU (as a baby) for four months. It’s hard. … It’s hard for me. Just keep the family in prayer, please. That’s all I can say.”
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In an interview with WOOD following Shamiya’s passing, Singleton’s 10-year-old daughter expressed her confusion, asking, “I want to know, why did she have to do that to her?”
Singleton could be sentenced to life behind bars if found guilty.