Man charged with murder after Grangetown fire
Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, 7, died in the blaze on August 26.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder following a fatal house fire in Grangetown, Middlesbrough. Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, 7, died in the incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 26. Four other people were injured.
Charges and Court Appearance
Jaden Wright, who is of no fixed address, was charged by Cleveland Police on Tuesday. The charges include two counts of murder, two counts of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempted Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. He is scheduled to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on the same day the charges were announced.
Katie Smith, senior investigating officer from Northumbria Police, stated that the incident was "truly tragic" and extended her thoughts to the families involved. She thanked local residents for their support during the investigation. Information can still be submitted via the major incident public portal.
A 31-year-old man who had been arrested in connection with the case was released without charge on Sunday. Police reported on Friday that a 48-year-old woman was in a critical but stable condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, and a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment at James Cook University hospital. Two teenage girls suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and have since been discharged.
Katie Nicolson, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East, confirmed that prosecutors had worked with Cleveland Police to gather sufficient evidence for court. She reminded the public that proceedings are active and that the defendant is entitled to a fair trial, urging against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case.
Questions this report answers
01Who has been charged in connection with the Grangetown fire?
Jaden Wright, 23, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder. He also faces charges for grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
02Who died in the Grangetown house fire?
Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, 7, died in the house fire. The incident took place in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, in the early hours of August 26.
03Were there other injuries from the fire?
Yes, four other individuals were injured in the fire. A 48-year-old woman was in critical but stable condition, and a 27-year-old man was receiving treatment. Two teenage girls sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were discharged.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the desk
