Michigan Mother Charged with Arson After Allegedly Removing Smoke Detectors and Setting Deadly Fire That Killed 12-Year-Old Daughter
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — A Michigan mother accused of deliberately setting her home on fire with her children inside — killing her 12-year-old daughter — has been ruled competent to stand trial, months after initially being found mentally unfit.
According to Source, 46-year-old Roconda Singleton was deemed competent by a Kent County judge on Tuesday following two earlier rulings in May and August that determined she could not yet stand trial. The ruling comes after court-appointed medical professionals concluded Singleton now understands the legal process and the gravity of her charges.
“Based on the report that was issued, the court will find that the defendant is competent to stand trial,” the judge said, noting Singleton will continue medication “to maintain her competency.”
Tragic January Fire That Claimed a Child’s Life
Investigators allege Singleton “meticulously removed” all seven smoke detectors from her Grand Rapids home before dousing furniture and surfaces in lighter fluid and igniting the blaze in an attempt to kill herself and her three children.
The January 2025 inferno ripped through the family’s residence as more than 40 firefighters from 13 departments responded to the scene. Authorities say the fire “spread rapidly,” leaving the home engulfed before first responders could rescue everyone inside.
Singleton’s 12-year-old daughter, Shamiya Stewart, suffered severe burns over 30% of her body and died two days later from smoke inhalation injuries.
‘She Should Be Locked Up for Life’
One of Singleton’s surviving children, a 10-year-old daughter hailed as a hero, described the terrifying moments as she tried to save her family.
“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 told WOOD-TV.
“She wouldn’t tell where [Shamiya] was, so I had to keep leading them to my sister.”
The young survivor managed to escape with her other sibling and guided firefighters to her sister’s location, according to officials.
“We just thank God for her quick thinking,” said Patricia Robinson, a relative who organized a fundraiser for the family.
Police Describe ‘Shockingly Cruel’ Act
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom called the act “one of the most shockingly cruel” crimes his department has seen, saying Singleton appeared deliberate and prepared.
“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 and lit it on fire,” Winstrom told reporters.
“I think she covered the couch in lighter fluid. That’s a pretty effective way to start a fire.”
Singleton allegedly told investigators she wanted to end her life and take her children with her.
Family Devastated, Father Remembers Daughter as ‘A Fighter’
Shamiya’s father, Lyn Stewart, described his daughter as a fighter who had survived difficult odds since birth.
“She [didn’t] deserve this at all,” he said. “She’s my special baby. She was in the NICU for four months. It’s hard — just keep the family in prayer.”
Facing Life in Prison
Singleton is charged with first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison.
She remains in custody at the Kent County Jail and will continue receiving psychiatric treatment while awaiting trial.
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