Copyright M Live Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A woman has been deemed competent to stand trial for a house fire she allegedly set while her three children were asleep inside. The ruling in the criminal case against Roconda Singleton was made Tuesday, Nov. 4, in a Grand Rapids District courtroom during a competency evaluation hearing. A separate hearing set for next month will determine if there’s enough evidence for Singleton’s case to proceed to trial. Singleton, 47, is accused of pouring lighter fluid in her home at 956 Eastern Avenue SE and setting it on fire as her three daughters slept inside. She is charged with felony murder, first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. Grand Rapids firefighters battled heavy flames on Jan. 25 and rescued 12-year-old Shamiya Stewart from her second-story bedroom. Shamiya suffered burns to over 30% of her body and died two days later after being removed from life support. Singleton’s two other daughters – ages 7 and 10 – were able to escape the burning home. Singleton was standing outside the burning home when firefighters reached the scene. Investigators found a bag outside containing seven smoke detectors that Singleton allegedly removed from the home. Singleton allegedly wanted to kill herself and her daughters in the fire. She told police she suffered from mental health problems, and her life took a turn about five months prior to the deadly blaze. A petition was started in August 2024, and later granted, ordering Singleton to undergo a 60-day period of inpatient treatment at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, records filed in Kent County Probate Court show. It’s unclear if Singleton completed treatment. Singleton was found incompetent to stand trial twice – once in May and again in August – but was deemed restorable. She is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 1 for a preliminary examination. Singleton is being held at the Kent County Jail without bond.
