A Michigan mother is in custody after she allegedly set a house fire that killed her 12-year-old daughter last week.
“This is a shockingly cruel, unimaginable crime committed by a mom against her three kids,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom.
The teen died late Monday, two days after her mother allegedly removed smoke detectors from the home, poured lighter fluid, and set the blaze.
The victim was trapped inside a bedroom. Her two siblings, aged 7 and 10, survived.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the 46-year-old mother outside. Her kids were reportedly screaming.
“[Their screams] will live in our heads for the rest of our lives,” said Fire Chief Brad Brown.
Prosecutors believe mental illness was involved in the tragedy.
“I think that’s what’s going to come out,” Prosecutor Chris Becker said.
