(WXYZ) - A Warren mother is in protective custody at a local hospital after police say she tried to kill herself and her two children by setting her house on fire.
IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHT, KIMBERLY CRAIG SAYS INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THE WOMAN WAS DEPRESSED OVER LOSING HER JOBWarren Police say 32-year old Tanya Laura Friedly has been charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit murder and one count of arson of an occupied dwelling.
Friedly was arrested Tuesday night at a local hospital after it was determined that the fire at her home on the 11200 block of Engleman may have been set intentionally.
Investigators say Friedly visited her children’s school Tuesday morning and signed them out for the day, indicating they had a doctor’s appointment. Upon returning home with her children, she attempted to incapacitate them with prescribed medication.
The arrest report goes on to say that shortly before noon, Friedly went to her upstairs bedroom where she intentionally set her bed on fire while her son and daughter were in the living room on the first floor. Once smelling and observing smoke filtering throughout the home, the 13-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter were able to escape from the burning home on their own. Prior to exiting the home, the son was able to retrieve his mother’s cell phone, which he used to call 911 for assistance. Friedly was also rescued from the burning home by several concerned citizens.
Friedly and her two children were transported to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures. Friedly was kept overnight for observation, while the 10-year-old daughter was transferred to a hospital in the city of Detroit for further observation and the 13-year-old son was released to a relative.
After the fire was deemed suspicious, a warrant request was presented to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the file, the prosecutor authorized a three-count felony warrant for Friedly. The charge of assault with intent to murder carries a life sentence, and the arson of an occupied dwelling charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Friedly was arraigned from her hospital bed by 37th District Court Visiting Judge Sherman Faunce. She entered a not guilty plea and bond was set at one million dollars.
“Nothing is more horrific than the loss of a young child, especially at the hands of one of their parents," says Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer. "Fortunately, the brave actions of this 13-year-old boy avoided this terrible situation. We will make certain that every effort is put forth to ensure that the person responsible for this crime will never have the opportunity to harm these children again.”
