DETROIT – Dmarco Latham, 24, of Detroit, was in court Friday, accused of starting a deadly fire Tuesday in the 9500 block of Brace Street.
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Members of the Detroit Fire Department Arson Task Force say Latham got into an argument with his girlfriend and placed clothing on her stove. They said he allegedly told his girlfriend he was angry and was intending to cause destruction.
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The fire moved into the upstairs apartment, trapping a family of four, according to authorities. A tenant in the building smelled smoke and saw the fire and alerted other tenants in an effort to evacuate the building, prosecutors said.
Star Milligan, 31, was found inside a back room shielding her 2-year-old daughter, Mylah "Princess" Milligan, from the smoke and fire, police said. Neither survived, officials said.
Milligan's son, 8-year-old Mikell Milligan, was injured. He and his father were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, medical officials said.
Latham is charged with two counts of murder, three counts of first-degree arson, and one count of preparing to burn property. If convicted, Latham could spend the rest of his life in jail.
A 30-year-old woman was also injured in the fire, police said. She was treated at the scene by medical officials.
Latham is expected to return to court Oct. 25.