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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 arrested in connection with a tragic house fire in October 2025 that claimed the lives of two young girls.
Rita Ann Montgomery was apprehended this week and faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and the manufacturing and possession of a delayed-action incendiary device, according to law enforcement officials.
The victims have been identified as Montgomery’s grandchildren, 8-year-old Aaliyah Robinson and 5-year-old Danielle Spearman, who resided with her in the affected home.
A second individual, 45-year-old Alonza Cooksey, has also been charged in relation to the fatal incident. Cooksey is accused of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and engaging in prohibited activities and sanctions. He also shared the residence where the tragic event occurred.
“These charges underscore the severity of this case and the devastating impact it had,” Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. stated during a Tuesday news conference. “This tragedy has affected not only the individuals and their families but has also left a mark on the community. I want to emphasize that this arrest follows an extensive and meticulous investigation driven by evidence.”
According to a report from the Shreveport Times, the deadly fire occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, 2025, at a home in the 3100 block of Milton Street, which is about 250 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. Three adults and five children were inside the house when the fire began, but the two 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.