A mother has faced a magistrate, accused of murdering her four-year-old daughter in a devastating house fire in Manchester last year.
Court Appearance and Charges
Carrin Wibier, aged 45, of Gateshead Close, Manchester, appeared via video link from custody at Manchester Magistrates' Court. She is charged with two serious offences: murder and arson with intent to endanger life. The brief hearing saw her confirm her name, date of birth, and address.
District Judge Jane Hamilton informed the defendant that the matters were indictable only, meaning they must be dealt with by a crown court. Wibier was further remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.
The Tragic Incident
The charges stem from a fatal fire that broke out at a house on Gateshead Close in the Rusholme area of Manchester on March 2 last year. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where the blaze caused significant damage, with evidence of smoke blackening visible on the upstairs windows of the red-brick property.
Lesma-Rose Wibier, aged four, was tragically caught in the fire. She was taken to hospital but could not be saved and subsequently died from her injuries.
A Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Following the little girl's death, her heartbroken family released a moving tribute, describing Lesma-Rose as 'the star of the family.' They said anyone who knew her knew she was 'the most beautiful girl inside and out.'
The tribute continued: 'She always had a smile on her face and could put the same on others. 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.'
The case will now proceed to the higher court, where formal pleas are expected to be entered. Greater Manchester Police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
