Lansing woman charged in house fire that killed grandmother, grandkids 

THURSDAY, Sept. 17 — A 21-year-old Lansing woman is facing six felony charges in connection to a house fire that killed a 53-year-old grandmother and her two grandkids. 

Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon yesterday issued three charges of open murder and three charges of first-degree arson against Abbieana Reneka-Cameilla Williams 21, of Lansing. Williams was arraigned this morning. The charges could generate a life sentence.  

The Lansing Fire Department was reportedly still investigating last week the cause of a Sept. 3 fire that destroyed a home on Elizabeth Street and killed its occupants — Melissa Westen, 53 and two of her grandchildren, Jesse Ja’Meer-Archie Kline IV, 4 and Aston Zy-Aire Griffin, 8. 

That investigation has since developed into a murder case. The Lansing Police Department has directed all questions about the case to Siemon, who couldn’t immediately be reached today. 

More than 100 people gathered at Evergreen Cemetery last week for the funeral services. Williams is scheduled to return to court later this month for a probable cause conference.  

Check back for continued coverage as the criminal proceedings continue.