Suspect faces first-degree murder charge after 2024 arson victim succumbs to injuries

A suspect in a 2024 arson attack has been charged with first-degree murder after one of the victims died on Thursday, according to a bulletin posted online by Oklahoma City Police.

On July 16, 2024, Michael Madison allegedly set two people on fire while they were sleeping near North Western Avenue and West Hefner Road in Oklahoma City. Madison was initially charged with arson and maiming according to the police report.

Police said that a witness, Cory Spencer, saw a woman on fire running toward his home and helped her extinguish the flames.

The attack took place near a cat grooming business, and security footage captured the arrest.

Madison, a transient with a criminal record, was paroled for robbery in Kansas. Witnesses identified him after he returned to the scene asking what had happened.

The woman suffered burns on 85% of her body but survived.

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Police said that the victim, Samantha Richardson, succumbed to her injuries on Mar. 13, 2025, after months of hospitalization. Madison is now charged with first-degree murder in addition to his prior charges.