DETROIT (WXYZ) — Two people including a child are dead after a fire swept through a home on Detroit’s west side. Police say they have a man in custody in connection with the case.
NOW: Apartment fire on Brace that claimed the lives of a 2-year-old little girl and her mother has been declared an arson. A male suspect is in custody @wxyzdetroit @CrimeInTheD @DetroitFire @detroitpolice
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) October 9, 2019
It happened on Brace Street near the intersection of Southfield Freeway and West Chicago.
According to the Wayne County morgue, one of the victims was an adult woman. Another victim was a little girl.
Family members say the victims are 31-year-old Star Milligan and her 2-year-old daughter Mylah Joyner.
2-year-old Mylah Joyner and her mother 31-year-old Star Milligan died in last night’s apartment arson on Detroit’s west side. @DetroitFire says Milligan died trying to protect her little girl from the flames @wxyzdetroit @detroitpolice @CrimeInTheD 💔 pic.twitter.com/m4xTUy4OF0
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) October 9, 2019
A 7-year-old boy, Star's son Markell Joyner, has been hospitalized for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
The Wayne County Morgue tells us two people, an adult woman and a child, are dead following a fire on Detroit’s west side on Brace Street @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/rUDNEYPBA1
— Ali Hoxie (@ali_hoxie) October 9, 2019
The fire started Tuesday night around 7:30 p.m. Investigators remained on scene for hours after the fire was put out. According to dispatch audio, firefighters searched the house once the fire was extinguished and found the two inside.
We have reached out to the Detroit Fire Department to learn more about how the fire started.
Stay with 7 Action News for updates.