© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Saginaw Man Sent To Prison For Fire That Killed His Mother, Sister

Police Lights
publicdomainpictures

A man who authorities say set a fire in Michigan that killed his mother and sister has been sentenced to 39 to 75 years in prison.

The Saginaw News reports 39-year-old Jason Desmone was given his punishment Thursday after earlier pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson.

Desmone apologized, saying he misses his mother and sister "every day." His lawyer said Desmone had unaddressed mental illness.

Desmone has said he lit curtains on fire and fled. He told at least one person no one else was inside. The Feb. 12, 2018, fire in Saginaw killed 71-year-old Adair Smithpeters and 41-year-old Melissa Shook.

Saginaw is located about 85 miles (137 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. The home had been condemned shortly before the fire.

Related Content
WKAR’s first live pledge drive since federal funding was eliminated is happening now. Our goal for the drive is $60,000 and reaching it will bring us one step closer to closing the federal funding gap.
Your support helps keep trusted journalism, classical music, and educational programming freely available for everyone in our community.
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today. Already a sustainer? Please consider increasing your monthly contribution.