Grand Rapids, MI – A Michigan woman, Roconda Singleton, is facing a felony murder charge following the tragic death of her 12-year-old daughter in a fire Singleton allegedly started in their home while her children were asleep. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced the charge after the young girl, Shamiya Stewart, succumbed to severe burns covering over 30% of her body.
Prosecutors charged Singleton with first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse prior to upgrading the charges to include felony murder, which can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if she is convicted. The fire that led to these charges broke out early in the morning at the family residence in Grand Rapids.
The distressing event unfolded on a Saturday at around 7:30 a.m., drawing a rapid response from local firefighters who managed to rescue Shamiya from her second-story bedroom amidst intense flames and smoke. Despite their efforts, the severity of her injuries led to her being removed from life support, and she died two days later.
Tragically, Shamiya’s younger siblings, Cherish Singleton, 10, and Sharnice Singleton, 7, narrowly escaped the fire. Cherish assisted Sharnice in climbing through a window on a lower level, although efforts to save Shamiya were thwarted by the overwhelming fire and smoke.
Investigators reported that inside the home Singleton had distributed lighter fluid, exacerbating the swift spread of the fire. Police discovered Singleton outside the house upon their arrival, near a bag she removed from the home containing seven smoke detectors.
Following the incident and Shamiya’s death, a GoFundMe page was established to provide financial support for the girls’ father, Lyn Stewart. Stewart is described as devastated by the loss of his daughter, whom family members remembered as a loving young girl who had a passion for music, dancing, and spending time with her father.
Throughout her life, Shamiya was noted to have been a fighter. Born weighing less than two pounds, she spent her first four months in a neonatal intensive care unit. According to family, her resilient spirit continued to manifest, touching everyone she encountered with her love and vibrant enthusiasm for life.
This heartbreaking incident has not only led to a serious legal battle but also underscored the profound impact of familial and community support during times of unimaginable loss. As the legal proceedings continue, the community has rallied behind the grieving family, reflecting both the human capacity for empathy and the complex feelings stirred by such a distressing familial tragedy.