Stow Woman Faces New Attempted-Murder Charge in Saratoga Arson Fire

The Saratoga Boulevard woman accused of setting fire to her home's second floor while her father slept will now face charges of attempted murder and arson.

The new charges are expected to be filed following grand jury proceedings last week, Law Director and City Prosecutor Brian Reali said.

Police and fire officials say Danielle N. Smith, 27,  around 2:30 a.m. on April 19 while her father, James Smith, was asleep.

No one was injured. 

Fire Capt. Richard Smith said the fire, which engulfed the home's entire second floor, caused "extensive" damage — about $300,000 worth. The fire marshal determined the fire was started in a pile of clothing in a closet.

The daughter initially was charged by with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, in connection with the fire. 

The new charges, both felonies, are expected to be scheduled for a hearing at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas after the indictment is filed, Reali said.

The law director said he pursued a direct indictment to bypass the preliminary hearing, which was scheduled for April 29 at the .

"There were legal issues raised by defense councel and we thought it was in the best interest of the prosecution of this case to obtain a direct indictment," said Reali.

Danielle Smith's attorney, George Keith, did not return a call for comment.