Gratiot County man arrested in fire that killed his mother and seriously injured his 7-year-old child – 9&10 News

GRATIOT COUNTY – The Gratiot County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that an arrest has been made in connection with a March fire that left a woman dead and her 7-year-old daughter seriously injured.

At 3:33 a.m. on March 6, deputies were dispatched to a full house fire at 710 E. Chestnut St. in the village of Breckenridge, deputies said.

There was an explosion in the house before the fire, officials said.

In cooperation with Gratiot County Attorney Laura Bever, an arrest was made in connection with the fire.

Aaron Painter, 35, of Alma, was arrested on a three-count warrant. Count one is “death by involuntary manslaughter,” count two is “delivery and manufacture of marijuana” and count three is “third-degree child abuse.” The girl burned in the fire is Painter’s daughter, officials said.

Ali Smith, 34, died in the fire. Painter and her daughter were treated for their injuries and have been released, officials said.

The Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Division assisted in determining the cause and origin of the fire, officials said.