Florida man sets wife on fire after air conditioner control argument

WILLISTON, FL—A tragic incident in Williston, Florida, has led to Robert Head, 58, facing charges of first-degree murder and arson after he allegedly set his wife on fire during a domestic dispute over the air conditioning settings in their home. The Williston Fire Rescue team responded to a structure fire call at approximately 7:48 PM on Thursday, only to discover the home fully engulfed in flames with a woman deceased inside.

According to the probable cause arrest affidavit, the conflict escalated when Head and his wife argued over the temperature settings in their home. The situation took a violent turn when Head reportedly insulted his wife, went outside, and returned with a cooking pot filled with gasoline. He allegedly threatened, “If we going out, we going out together, I told you I ain’t never leaving you,” before dousing her with gasoline.

The affidavit further details that Head ignited a piece of paper and threw it at his wife, leading to an explosive reaction that fatally injured her and also burned their daughter, who fled the house. Following the incident, law enforcement found Head hiding in a dog kennel with a machete, threatening to harm himself. He was taken into custody without further incident.

The victim’s daughter, who witnessed the horrifying event, described ongoing tensions and frequent arguments between her mother and Head, particularly regarding household matters such as the air conditioning. This incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes escalating to violence.

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