A mom in England is facing murder charges after her preschooler died in a house fire. Carrin Wibier is also facing charges of intentional arson in connection with that same fire. Many people rushed to help aid first responders during the blaze, and although they were able to put out the fire, they were unable to save the little girl’s life. Not many details are available about what caused the fire or how Wibier played a role in it.
Regardless of the details, police and fire officials have reportedly determined that Wibier played a significant enough role in the fire that she is solely responsible for her daughter’s death. No other people have been charged in the case.
On January 6, 2026, the 45-year-old mother was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life, Greater Manchester Police shared in a news release. Wibier was taken into police custody and was scheduled to appear in court on January 7.
A report from the BBC noted that Wibier made a brief appearance at Manchester Magistrates’ Court via video while in police custody. After confirming her name, address, and date of birth, she was told by District Judge Jane Hamilton that her charges were indictable only, so only the crown court can deal with the case. Wibier was scheduled to appear in Manchester Crown Court.
Her arrest comes after the death of her 4-year-old daughter, Lesma-Rose Wibier, in March of 2025. On March 2, 2025, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at a home on Gateshead Close in Manchester, the Manchester Evening News reported at the time.
“Crews were quickly able to extinguish the fire and bring out a four-year-old girl, who had suffered serious injuries in the incident,” a police representative shared in a statement, per the Evening News. “Sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the girl died from her injuries in hospital a short time after.”
Rusholme fire: this is the rear of the property where there are obvious signs of a serious fire. Graffiti on the wall says ‘you are loved’ pic.twitter.com/qgJS4of3k4
— John Scheerhout (@johnscheerhout) March 2, 2025
Wibier was arrested on “suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life,” police noted. Although authorities didn’t confirm the relationship between the two at the time, they said the woman was “known” to the girl.
As the fire broke out, congregants from a nearby church said their service “just stopped.”
“Everybody came out to see how they could be of help to the family. Even the preacher stopped and we began to pray for the family of the deceased,” one church member said, per the Evening News at the time. “Some were even crying. It’s a child. It’s difficult to lose a loved one, but when it’s a child …”
According to The Independent, Wibier was detained by police under the Mental Health Act. Details about the decision were not given.
Greater Manchester Police worked alongside Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the incident.
In a statement provided by police in June 2025, Lesma-Rose was described by her family as the “star of the family. Anyone who knew her knew she was the most beautiful girl inside and out.
“She always had a smile on her face and could put the same on others,” the statement added. “She was such a smart and intelligent girl in her own unique ways, and she will be deeply missed by anyone who was blessed to meet her.”
