Grand jury indicts Ohio mother in fire deaths of her 2 children

DAYTON, Ohio -- A grand jury indicted a woman Friday on charges that she killed her 4-year-old son and 4-month-old daughter by setting the family's house on fire. Her husband was also indicted on charges he sexually assaulted the boy.

Heather Silverman, 24, is charged with two counts of murder and three counts of aggravated arson. Her husband, Doron Silverman, 25, is charged with two counts of rape of a child under the age of 10 and one count of gross sexual imposition.

If convicted of the most serious charges each could face life in prison.

Authorities charged the couple last week, and both pleaded not guilty. The case was then presented to a grand jury.

The fire occurred July 13 at the couple's home in suburban West Carrollton, about 8 miles south of Dayton. Investigators said an accelerant was used in the blaze.

The fire started about two hours before a court hearing on a motion by the county child-welfare agency to take temporary custody of the children.

According to a police affidavit, Heather Silverman admitted setting the fire. It said she told investigators that she disconnected smoke detectors in the home, laid some gasoline-soaked rags around a candle on the floor, and kicked the candle over to ignite the rags.

The couple's daughter, Keylee, died in the fire and her brother, Mikel, died later at a hospital.