Michael Morgan charged for 36th & Silver Spring arson fire, but not for the deaths of two children killed

MILWAUKEE -- The man accused of intentionally setting a fire that claimed two young lives is headed to trial. But at this point, not for the deaths of the children.

Michael Morgan

26-year-old Michael Morgan of Milwaukee sat in court to hear the state's case against him on Thursday, November 12th. He's charged with arson in connection with the fire that occurred near 36th and Silver Spring Drive early on October 20th.

Morgan's stepson, 10-year-old Kevin Little, and Little's cousin, two-year-old Tae-najah Morgan, died as a result of the fire.

Tae'najah Morgan died one day later, and Kevin Little died this past Sunday, November 8th at the hospice facility where he was being cared for.

Kevin Little and Tae'najah Morgan

Michael Morgan is accused of setting the fire.

Detective Larry Schimke testified Thursday that evidence of an accelerant was found throughout the home's first floor -- in the front room, hallway and master bedroom. A gasoline container was found misplaced (under the kitchen sink), and gasoline remained on some items.

The complaint says “fire investigators discovered clean, broken glass from the south first floor living room window approximately 15 to 20 feet sound of the home, across the driveway. The broken glass is consistent with a gas vapor explosion having occurred.”

The person who called 911 to report the fire told investigators he called for help after Morgan approached him outside of a gas station.

Morgan apparently asked to use the person’s cell phone to report a fire on 36th and Silver Spring. The witness thought it was an odd request “because he did not smell any fire nor did he see any signs of fire nearby.” Instead of giving up the phone, the person called 911, provided the address and then hung up. The complaint indicates at that point, Morgan “nodded his head and walked southbound on 35th St.”

"Mr. Caffey stated Mr. Morgan had said something to the effect of, 'there's a fire on 36th and Silver Spring,' or, 'they need the fire department -- there's a fire on 36th and Silver Spring,'" said Detective Schimke.

The complaint indicates Tae’najah Morgan and Kevin Little were “found in the upstairs room.” When first responders found the two, the boy appeared “to be protecting Tae’najah by covering her with his body.”

Michael Morgan

According to the complaint, the children’s grandmother was staying with them on the night of October 20th, and a total of six children were in the home.

At one point during the night, the complaint indicates one of the children, 10-year-old Kevin Little, woke up the grandmother — saying the house was on fire and they needed to get out.

The grandmother was able to get four of the children out of the home, but as she was exiting the home, she realized Little must have gone back inside.

Little was found in an upstairs bedroom, using his body to cover/shield two-year-old Tae'najah.

Morgan's estranged wife lived in the home. Morgan was being prosecuted in two domestic violence cases where she was the victim.

Michael Morgan

"Ms. Rice made it known that Mr. Morgan has been living with her there off and on throughout the time of this no contact order," said Tom Erickson, Morgan's attorney.

Detective Kent Corbett with the Milwaukee Police Department testified that Morgan said he didn't know about the arson until his mother told him -- but his mother told detectives just the opposite.

"That the defendant himself told her," said Corbett.

This arson case now proceeds towards trial.

We are expecting additional charges against Morgan for the deaths of Kevin Little and Tae'najah Morgan.

The family of Kevin Little has created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. CLICK HERE to donate.