An Alabama woman whose infant child died in an apartment fire has been charged with capital murder.

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Ashley Nicole King, 31, was arrested Wednesday after an investigation revealed the fire was deliberately set, Phenix City police Capt. Darryl Williams said Thursday. Police don’t have a motive at this time.

Police and fire crews responded to a report of a fire shortly after 10 a.m Wednesday at an apartment complex, local media reported. The infant was found in the apartment where King was living, and was alone, unresponsive and suffering from severe burns, Williams said.

The baby was pronounced dead at a hospital. Its body was sent to the Alabama Forensics Crime Lab for autopsy, Williams said.

King is being held without bond. Further details about the fire haven’t been released.

Williams said the investigation is ongoing.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com