Grandfather of girl who lost arm in explosion could still face federal charges

RIVER ROUGE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Police in River Rouge were surprised that the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file criminal charges against a man they say left an illegal explosive device where his 11-year-old twin granddaughters could reach it.

RELATED STORY: 11-Year-Old Injured in Explosion, Loses Arm in River Rouge

11-year-old injured in explosion, loses arm in River Rouge

One of the girls set off what she thought was a firework, and the explosion caused her to lose her right arm and puncture her eardrum. Both girls also suffered burns from the explosion, which left their home uninhabitable.

“I’m glad he’s alive” said Jaminique Conway, the mother of twins, who was not at home at the time of the explosion. “It was an accident. My dad would never hurt my kids.”

Conway told 7 News Detroit that her father feels terrible and that she does not want him to face criminal charges. She also said she did not ask her father what kind of explosive it was or where he got it from.

“I’m just not going to talk to him about it. I’m glad she’s alive,” Conway said. “As a family, we’ll get through this and we’ll come together instead of tearing each other apart.”

River Rouge police are sending the remaining explosive material to the Michigan State Police lab for testing.

Conway shared with 7 News photos of the damage the explosion caused to the home she was renting.

A nearby resident, who declined to speak on camera, said she was disappointed the girls’ grandfather had not been charged.

A spokesperson for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office released the following statement: This was a tragic incident. However, the case against the suspect was dismissed due to insufficient evidence to prove he had custody, care, or control of the victim at the time of the incident.

But that doesn’t mean the girls’ grandfather is clean.

River Rouge police contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is unclear if federal agents will pursue the case, but it is still under investigation.

One neighbor who called 911 said hearing the twins scream and seeing the serious injuries to one of their arms was every mother’s worst nightmare. “It was excruciating just standing there and not knowing what to do.”

Conway said her daughter, Caitlyn, who lost an arm, is in good spirits and is preparing for physical therapy.

As people prepare to set off real fireworks for the Fourth of July, Conway urges adults to exercise caution.

“Be responsible. Keep your children close to you,” she said.

One neighbor who is like family to Conway and her daughters said it’s important for parents and other adults to talk to their children about the importance of not playing with any flame or fireworks unsupervised.

“Just as you wouldn’t keep a loaded gun in plain sight, there’s nothing wrong with fireworks” said Erica Dickerson. “Do not leave them in plain sight or within the reach of children.”

With Conway’s permission, River Rouge police have set up a GoFundMe to help her and her daughters find alternative housing, as well as cover any medical needs Caitlyn may not have covered.

Investigators are also asking anyone with information about the explosion to contact the River Rouge Department of Public Safety at (313)842-8700.

7 News Detroit attempted to contact the girls’ grandfather but were unable to reach him.

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