Police say on Saturday, 46-year-old Roconda Singleton removed seven smoke detectors from her house on Eastern Avenue near Hall Street, doused carpets and furniture with lighter fluid, and set the home on fire with her three daughters inside.
Two girls, aged seven and ten, escaped the fire with minor injuries.
Their sister, 12-year-old Shamiya Stewart, was carried out unconscious by firefighters, suffering burns and smoke inhalation.
She died Monday.
Fire Chief Brad Brown spoke at a news briefing Monday, noting the difficulty first responders face emotionally while also praising the crews for their training and professionalism.
“Our members placed themselves in directly harm’s way to save a life. That’s what we take an oath to do, and that’s what we did.”
Police Chief Eric Winstrom shared officers’ body camera video of the fire to show the situation first responders faced.
“You see those flames that are coming out five then feet, just flames extending from the house. Watching that in retrospect and knowing she’s up there is devastating to see.”
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker noted Singleton did not have a history with police or child protective services.
“When you’ve look at the reports I have, it’s a mental health issue. I think that’s what’s going to come out, and we’ll see it play out.”
Singleton is currently facing counts of arson and child abuse, but prosecutors say additional charges are likely following the death of her daughter.
