Mother Faces Murder Charges After Daughter's Deadly Arson Fire

Roconda Singleton, a 46-year-old Michigan woman, has been charged with felony murder after allegedly setting fire to her home, resulting in the death of her 12-year-old daughter, Shamiya Stewart. Court documents reveal that Singleton admitted to starting the fire in an attempt to kill herself and her daughters, expressing a desire for them to be 'free.' She reportedly removed smoke detectors and poured lighter fluid throughout the house before igniting the blaze, while her two younger daughters, aged 7 and 10, managed to escape with assistance from a stranger. Prosecutors highlighted Singleton's ongoing mental health struggles, which had previously led to her being ordered into treatment. The fire occurred on January 25, and Shamiya succumbed to her injuries two days later, prompting the additional murder charge. Singleton remains in custody, and further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.