Man charged after Grangetown fire in which woman and her niece died - BBC News
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Man charged with murder after woman and her niece died in fire
Image source: Supplied
Image caption: Natalie McDonald (left) and her niece Valentina Foster (right) died in a house fire on Wednesday.
By Patrick Jackson
Published 1 September 2026, 05:07 BST
Updated 1 hour ago
A 23-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder following a fatal house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, on 26 August, which claimed the lives of Natalie McDonald, 34, and her seven-year-old niece Valentina Foster.
Jaden Wright, of no fixed address, will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court later.
Senior investigating officer Katie Smith from Northumbria Police stated:
"This has been a truly tragic incident, and my thoughts remain with the families of all those involved."
She added: "I would like to thank local residents for their support and patience during this complex investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police.
Katie Nicolson from Crown Prosecution Service North East confirmed:
"Our prosecutors have worked closely with Cleveland Police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court... It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."