Mother Facing Murder Charge After Daughter Dies in Arson Fire in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A mother who admitted to setting fire to her home while her children were inside is now facing an additional charge after her 12-year-old daughter tragically passed away. On Wednesday, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that a murder charge had been filed against 46-year-old Roconda Singleton, following the death of her daughter, Shamiya Stewart, on Monday.

Singleton had previously been arraigned Tuesday on charges of first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. The additional murder charge comes after Shamiya succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire that broke out Saturday at the family’s home on Eastern Avenue, near Hall and Martin Luther King Jr. streets.

According to police, Singleton deliberately removed seven smoke detectors from the house and poured lighter fluid on both floors before setting the fire. While her two younger daughters, ages 10 and 7, managed to escape the blaze without serious injuries, Shamiya was trapped inside. Firefighters were seen on police video rescuing her from a second-story window, administering CPR, and rushing her to the hospital. Sadly, she died two days later from her injuries.

In court documents, Singleton told investigators that she had planned to die with her daughters, saying she wanted them to “be free.” The documents also reveal that Singleton had a history of mental health issues, having been admitted to Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in August of last year for treatment.

As Singleton faces the new charge, the potential for her defense to use her mental health history as a basis for a mental competency and criminal responsibility evaluation looms large. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker explained that such evaluations could determine whether Singleton understands the charges against her and if she is capable of assisting in her defense.

If the court determines that Singleton is unfit to stand trial, the case could be transferred to probate court, where outcomes often involve treatment in mental health facilities rather than prison time. The decision to pursue an insanity defense, Becker noted, would be based on whether Singleton was able to conform her actions to the law at the time of the incident.

In recent years, Michigan has seen a rise in cases involving mental health evaluations, and Becker acknowledged the growing trend. “If somebody is deemed not guilty for reason of insanity, they can plead that and it goes over to the probate court,” Becker said. “They would not serve prison time. It could be in a facility or a mental health hospital for as long as the Probate Court deems necessary.”

As the case develops, Singleton’s defense team may seek a competency evaluation to assess her mental state at the time of the fire, a crucial factor in determining how the legal system will proceed with the case. Meanwhile, the community remains shaken by the devastating loss of a young life and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the incident.