SHREVEPORT, LA – The echoes of heartbreak continue to reverberate through a Shreveport neighborhood months after two sisters, Aaliyah Robinson, 8, and Danielle Spearman, 5, lost their lives in a devastating house fire. Now, authorities say the children’s own grandmother has been arrested and faces charges in connection with the blaze that claimed their lives.
Rita Ann Montgomery, 50, was taken into custody this week and has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, as well as aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and manufacturing and possessing a delayed-action incendiary device. Investigators allege Montgomery played a central role in the fire that swept through the family’s home on Milton Street in the early morning hours of Oct. 13, 2025.
Aaliyah and Danielle, who lived in the home with their grandmother, were sleeping inside when the fire broke out. Despite the presence of other adults and children in the house, the sisters were unable to escape the fast-moving flames. Firefighters arriving on the scene discovered the girls inside, tragically unable to revive them.
Neighbors recall the chaos and grief in the aftermath, with relatives and first responders alike expressing disbelief at the loss. The home, now gutted and scarred by fire, stands as a solemn reminder to the community of the dangerous events that unfolded that morning.
Authorities say their investigation uncovered evidence pointing to two separate fires intentionally set in the residence—one in the back just after midnight, and another at the front of the house roughly an hour and a half later. According to investigators, the fire was ignited by a homemade incendiary device, believed to be a Molotov cocktail, which caused the fire to spread rapidly and limited escape routes.
Also charged in connection with the incident is Alonza Cooksey, 45, who lived at the home with the victims. Cooksey faces counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and engaging in prohibited activities. Both Cooksey and Montgomery are being held while authorities continue to gather details surrounding the events.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Aaliyah and Danielle, described by neighbors as playful and full of life. Classmates at their elementary school shared memories of the sisters, recalling their laughter and friendliness.
Police say arrests were made after months of rigorous investigation, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence from the scene. The investigation has also resulted in warrants for Sherika Spearman and Bobby Grant, relatives of the victims, on charges relating to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A previous arrest in October 2025 saw a 15-year-old boy charged with the girls’ deaths, but a grand jury chose not to indict due to insufficient evidence.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on remembering the lives of two young girls whose futures were cut short. While the motives behind the horrific act remain unclear, authorities have expressed their determination to bring those responsible to justice.
No court date has been set for Montgomery or Cooksey. The case continues to develop as the community seeks answers and a measure of closure in the wake of an unthinkable tragedy.