NJ man, 27, guilty of murder for fire that killed his own baby, 3 adults

A 27-year-old man from Trenton, Michael Sanders, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering his own infant daughter, along with two other adults, in a tragic house fire. The jury found him guilty on multiple counts after a month-long trial, including first-degree murder and aggravated arson.

The deadly incident occurred on July 9, 2021, when flames quickly engulfed a duplex in Hamilton Township, resulting in the deaths of nine-month-old Malani Sanders, her 42-year-old grandmother Tiffany Abrams-Jones, and her 50-year-old grandfather Prince Jones, who succumbed to injuries two days later. Additionally, Malani's 18-year-old uncle, Zamair McRae, died a month after the fire, and several survivors, including other family members, sustained critical injuries.

The overwhelming evidence against Sanders included surveillance footage showing him near the scene of the crime before the fire broke out, wearing a dark hoodie, mask, and gloves. He was also captured on video purchasing a torch lighter and cigars at a gas station shortly before the fire. Witness testimonies revealed he had previously threatened the household and had sent a text to the baby's mother urging her to get the infant out of the house.

Following the fire, Sanders was found and arrested at a hotel in Plainsboro. Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey commended the extensive efforts of law enforcement involved in the case, highlighting their dedication in securing justice for the affected families.

Sanders is set to receive four life sentences at his upcoming sentencing on April 25, with the first term being without the possibility of parole due to the heinous nature of the crime involving his baby daughter.