Grand Rapids, MI – A 46-year-old Michigan mother accused of removing smoke detectors and setting her home on fire with her children inside, resulting in the death of her 12-year-old daughter, has been found competent to stand trial after previously being declared unfit twice.
The Incident: House Fire That Claimed a Child’s Life
According to investigators, Roconda Singleton, of Grand Rapids, allegedly removed all seven smoke detectors from her home, poured lighter fluid around the property, and set it ablaze while her three children were inside. The devastating fire, which occurred in January 2025, claimed the life of her daughter Shamiya Stewart, aged 12.
Police say Singleton intended to kill herself and her children in the fire. The home quickly went up in flames, requiring a response from more than 40 firefighters from 13 different departments as it spread “very rapidly,” according to local officials.
“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,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom.
“I think she covered the couch in lighter fluid. That’s a pretty effective way to start a fire.”
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Authorities determined that Singleton had deliberately removed the smoke detectors before igniting the fire. The devices were later found placed in a bag in her backyard, supporting claims that the act was intentional and premeditated.
Her 10-year-old daughter, who survived the fire, told investigators that her mother refused to leave the burning home and had to be rescued by others. The child also helped guide first responders to her siblings’ location inside.
“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 young survivor said in January. “She wouldn’t tell where Shamiya was, so I had to keep leading them to my sister.”
The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office charged Singleton with first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. Officials noted that she faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Court Proceedings: Competency Restored After Mental Evaluation
Singleton’s legal case faced multiple delays this year after she was twice ruled incompetent to stand trial — once in May 2025 and again in August 2025. However, following ongoing treatment in custody, a new competency report dated October 16 determined that she understands her charges and the court process.
“Based on the report that was issued, the court will find that the defendant is competent to stand trial,” said the Kent County judge during Tuesday’s hearing.
The court noted that Singleton has a history of mental health issues but is now willingly receiving medication and treatment while in custody.
“Singleton will continue to receive medication to maintain her competency,” the judge added.
Family Reactions: A Community Mourns and a Child Praised as Hero
Following the tragedy, Singleton’s 10-year-old daughter has been hailed as a hero for saving her surviving sibling and helping firefighters locate Shamiya, who later succumbed to her injuries.
“We just thank God for her quick thinking,” said Patricia Robinson, the family’s cousin, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with recovery efforts.
Shamiya Stewart suffered burns over 30% of her body and severe smoke inhalation, dying two days after the fire. Her father, Lyn Stewart, described her as a “fighter.”
“She didn’t deserve this at all,” Stewart told WOOD-TV. “She’s my special baby. She was in the NICU for four months. It’s hard. Just keep the family in prayer, please.”
The family continues to struggle with grief and unanswered questions about Singleton’s motive. Her surviving daughter, still coping with the trauma, asked in a televised interview,
“I want to know, why did she have to do that to her?”
Background Context: Mental Health and Legal Accountability
Mental health experts have noted that Michigan courts often require multiple evaluations before declaring a defendant competent for trial. In Singleton’s case, the pattern of competency restoration underscores the balance courts must maintain between treatment and accountability.
Police described Singleton’s actions as “shockingly cruel”, highlighting the deliberate steps she took to remove all safety devices before starting the fire. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that evidence of premeditation and intent will play a major role in the upcoming trial.
Ongoing Developments and What Comes Next
With Singleton now deemed competent, the court will move forward with pretrial hearings to determine her defense strategy. Prosecutors say they will seek the maximum sentence given the intentional nature of the act and the loss of a child’s life.
Singleton remains in Kent County Jail as she continues to receive medication and mental health monitoring before trial proceedings officially begin.
Conclusion
The Grand Rapids community continues to mourn the loss of 12-year-old Shamiya Stewart, while her surviving siblings recover from the emotional and physical scars of the tragedy. As the case moves forward, prosecutors aim to deliver justice for a young girl whose life was taken in what authorities call a “premeditated and senseless act of cruelty.”
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