News Summary

Roconda Singleton, a 46-year-old mother, faces murder charges following a tragic house fire that killed her 12-year-old daughter, Shamiya Stewart. The incident raised concerns about mental health and child welfare systems after it was discovered that Singleton allegedly set the blaze intentionally. Her two younger daughters were also injured as emergency services responded to distress calls from neighbors. The case highlights critical issues regarding mental health care and child safety and has drawn significant community attention.

Grand Rapids – Roconda Singleton, a 46-year-old mother, has been charged with murder following a tragic house fire that claimed the life of her 12-year-old daughter, Shamiya Stewart, injured her two younger daughters, and drew widespread attention to troubling issues in mental health and child welfare. The fire occurred on January 25, 2024, at their residence located at 956 Eastern Avenue SE, shortly before 7:30 a.m.

Emergency services received multiple 911 calls from neighbors who reported hearing screams for help as the fire engulfed the home. Firefighters swiftly responded, entering the smoke-filled house and rescuing Singleton’s two other daughters, aged 10 and 7. Unfortunately, Shamiya sustained severe burns and smoke inhalation injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after rescue efforts.

Following an investigation, authorities determined that the fire was deliberately set by Singleton. Investigators discovered that Singleton had removed all seven smoke detectors from the home and had doused the interior with lighter fluid before the blaze began. Disturbingly, it is alleged that she attempted to keep her children trapped inside the burning home.

The Grand Rapids Police Department revealed that Singleton had a troubling history marked by previous interactions with law enforcement, including calls to 911 regarding non-existent threats. In the months prior to the incident, Singleton experienced a profound mental health crisis, which necessitated her involuntary admission to Pine Rest Hospital. She was treated for severe delusions and paranoia but was discharged after two weeks, despite lingering issues.

Following her release, Singleton’s behavior reportedly became increasingly erratic, including making threats against family members that resulted in police involvement. Just before the tragic fire, Children’s Protective Services (CPS) had opened a case concerning the family’s situation but subsequently planned to close it, even though Singleton continued to exhibit signs of distress and instability.

As a result of her actions, Singleton has been charged with several serious offenses. These include one count of first-degree arson, three counts of second-degree child abuse, and felony murder in connection with Shamiya’s death. If convicted on the felony murder charge, Singleton faces the possibility of life in prison.

The firefighting response included an extensive crew of 42 personnel and 13 fire trucks who bravely entered the blazing structure to rescue the children. The local police chief, Eric Winstrom, expressed significant concern regarding the failures within mental health and child welfare systems that may have contributed to this tragedy.

In the aftermath of the incident, Singleton’s oldest daughter, Shantasia King, conveyed her profound sorrow over the loss of her sister, questioning whether the tragedy could have been avoided had CPS acted more decisively in their evaluations. In support of the family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist Shamiya’s father, Lyn Stewart, during this devastating time.

Currently, both the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Pine Rest Hospital have declined to comment on the specifics of Singleton’s situation. This case raises urgent questions regarding the intersection of mental health care and child safety, highlighting the critical need for improvements in how these issues are managed.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community mourns the loss of a young life and reflects on the pressing need for systemic changes to better protect vulnerable families. The devastating consequences of this incident stress the importance of addressing mental health issues and ensuring proper oversight and intervention for families in crisis.