Inset, left to right: Aaliyah Robinson and Danielle Spearman (KTBS) and Rita A. Montgomery (Caddo County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The home Montgomery allegedly burned down last year, killing Aaliyah and Danielle (KSLA).
A 50-year-old grandmother from Louisiana has been detained for her involvement in an October 2025 house fire that tragically claimed the lives of two young girls.
Rita Ann Montgomery was apprehended this week, facing multiple charges including two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and the creation and possession of a delayed-action incendiary device, according to officials.
The victims have been identified as 8-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and 5-year-old Danielle Spearman, who were Montgomery’s grandchildren and resided with her.
Another individual, Alonza Cooksey, aged 45, has also been implicated in the fatal fire. He faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and engaging in prohibited activities and sanctions. Cooksey was also living in the residence where the tragic incident occurred.
“These charges underscore the gravity of this case and the profound impact it has had,” remarked Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. during a news conference on Tuesday detailing the charges. “The harm extends beyond the individuals and their family to affect the entire community. Let me emphasize, this arrest stems from a thorough, evidence-based investigation.”
As reported by the Shreveport Times, the devastating fire erupted in the early hours of October 13, 2025, at a residence on the 3100 block of Milton Street, located approximately 250 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. At the time of the fire, three adults and five children were present in the house, but sadly, the two young victims were unable to escape.
Investigators with the Shreveport Police Department said the blaze likely began as two separate fires — one set in the back of the home around midnight and another at the front around 1:45 a.m., local ABC affiliate KTBS reported.
Reese said investigators were still unsure about a possible motive, emphasizing that guessing would not help the investigation at this point. However, the chief did clarify that investigators believe the “device” used to start the fire was a Molotov cocktail, which he said was “a homemade device that you throw at a home and it catches everything on fire.”
“This has been an incredibly complex and emotionally difficult investigation,” Reese said. “Our arson investigators have remained committed from day one to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for Aaliyah and Danielle. While nothing can undo this tragic loss, we hope these arrests provide some measure of accountability and reassurance to our community.”
In October 2025, a 15-year-old male was arrested and charged with the murders, but the following month, a grand jury in Caddo Parish declined to indict the teen due to a lack of evidence, KTBS reported.
Authorities said additional warrants have been issued for Sherika Spearman and Bobby Grant, who are related to the victims, on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
It was not immediately clear when the defendants were scheduled to appear in court.
