Overview
- Rita Montgomery, 50, was arrested on charges including two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated arson and related offenses in the October 2025 blaze.
- Montgomery is the girls’ grandmother, and investigators say the fire was intentionally set using a homemade Molotov-style device.
- Alonzo Cooksey, 45, was also arrested on charges of prohibited activities and sanctions and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
- Authorities are seeking warrants for the children’s aunt and uncle, with contributing to the delinquency allegations tied to a 15-year-old escapee found living at the home.
- A grand jury declined to indict the 15-year-old last fall, surveillance captured only the first of two fires, and no motive or new evidence details have been released.