A Louisiana grandmother has been arrested and charged with murder after investigators concluded a deadly house fire that killed two young girls was intentionally set using a Molotov cocktail.

Rita Ann Montgomery, 50, was taken into custody this week and charged with two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and manufacturing and possessing a delayed-action incendiary device, authorities said. The victims were identified as Aaliyah Robinson, 8, and Danielle Spearman, 5—both Montgomery’s grandchildren, who lived in the home with her.

A second suspect, Alonza Cooksey, 45, was also charged. Cooksey faces counts including contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and engaging in prohibited activities and sanctions. Authorities said he also lived in the home.

The fire broke out in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, 2025, at a residence on Milton Street in Shreveport, about 250 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. According to investigators, three adults and five children were inside when the blaze began, but Aaliyah and Danielle were unable to escape.

Officials with the Shreveport Police Department and the fire marshal’s office believe the fire was deliberately set in two stages—one in the rear of the house around midnight and another at the front roughly 90 minutes later. Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. said investigators believe a Molotov cocktail—a homemade incendiary device—was used to ignite the fire.

“These charges reflect the seriousness of this case and the gravity of the harm that it caused,” Reese said at a news conference announcing the arrests, emphasizing that the conclusions followed a long, evidence-driven investigation. He added that determining a motive remains an open question and cautioned against speculation.

The case has had a winding path. In October 2025, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the deaths, but a Caddo Parish grand jury later declined to indict him due to insufficient evidence. Authorities said additional warrants have since been issued for Sherika Spearman and Bobby Grant, both related to the victims, on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

“This has been an incredibly complex and emotionally difficult investigation,” Reese said, noting that while nothing can undo the loss of Aaliyah and Danielle, officials hope the arrests bring accountability and reassurance to the community.

Court dates for the defendants have not yet been announced.