Florida husband sets wife on fire in attempted murder-suicide after divorce request

Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File photo

Husband sets wife on fire in attempted murder-suicide after divorce request

Ocala, FL A Florida man allegedly doused his wife in gasoline and ignited a fire at their home following her request for a divorce. Alfonza Green, 51, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.

Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene on November 30. Upon arrival, they discovered Green with burns and heard witnesses say he had set himself ablaze.

The victim reported that she was on her bed when Green emerged from the shower. She initially thought he was leaving until she felt something cold poured on her.

She confronted him, asking what he was doing. Green reportedly responded that if he died, they would both die together because they were married.

The victim attempted to flee and urged Green not to follow through with his threats. She realized he had poured gasoline on her just as he attempted to ignite a fire using a lighter.

In post-Miranda statements, Green claimed that he had poured gasoline on the bed due to feeling overwhelmed by life. He also alleged that the victim left the room before he ignited the flames.

There were six individuals inside the home, including the victim’s 11-year-old grandson. None of them sustained injuries.

Green was arrested on Tuesday and is currently held at Marion County Jail without bond.

Man sentenced to 75 years for setting wife on fire after argument

Man sentenced to 75 years for setting wife on fire after argument

Man sentenced to 75 years for setting wife on fire after argument

North Little Rock, AR

Bruce Lee Cockrell, 48, was sentenced on Thursday to 75 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder and arson. The plea is related to the death of his wife, Tonya Marie Liggin-Cockrell, 35, on July 9 after an altercation.

Court documents revealed that during an argument on July 8, Cockrell doused his wife with weed eater gas. Initial reports indicated that he claimed faulty electrical work was the cause of the fire.

First responders found Liggin-Cockrell alive but severely burned, and she identified Cockrell as her attacker. Following the incident, investigators discovered a jug of weed eater gas in the home, further implicating him.

While in custody, Cockrell admitted to police that an argument had escalated, resulting in him pouring gasoline on his wife as she sat by their bed. He claimed Liggin-Cockrell then lit a cigarette, which ignited the flames.

Liggin-Cockrell was transported to a burn unit but succumbed to her injuries a day later. Cockrell’s charges included capital murder and arson, culminating in a sentence of 45 years for murder and 30 years for arson, to be served consecutively.

Couple sentenced for death of infant daughter in Virginia

Couple sentenced for death of infant daughter in virginia

Couple sentenced for death of infant daughter in Virginia

Norfolk, VA

A Virginia couple has been sentenced for the death of their nine-day-old daughter, I’ijayah. Hilary Darnell Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. Z’ibreyea Shantel Parker, 22, was sentenced to 10 years for child abuse.

The child was pronounced “cold to the touch” when brought to a local hospital on May 4. The couple claimed I’ijayah fell from her stroller two days earlier.

Investigations revealed a history of neglect. Hospital staff observed signs of abuse including burns and bruises on the child’s body. An autopsy confirmed the child died from blunt trauma and burns.

Prosecutors noted their inability to determine which parent inflicted the fatal injuries. Both parents denied causing harm to I’ijayah.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the case. The court proceedings followed a plea deal in which charges were reduced for both parents.

Virginia parents sentenced for death of 9-day-old baby girl in shocking abuse case

Judge's gavel in a courtroom trial.

Parents sentenced for death of 9-day-old baby girl in shocking abuse case

Norfolk, VA A couple has received prison sentences for the death of their 9-day-old daughter, I’ijayah Johnson, resulting from severe abuse. Hilary Johnson II, 24, was sentenced to 19 years in prison, while 22-year-old Z’ibreyea S. Parker received a 10-year term.

The couple pleaded guilty to charges in a case that involved horrific injuries inflicted on the infant. Hospital staff noted signs of severe abuse when I’ijayah was brought in on May 4.

An autopsy revealed she died from blunt force trauma and severe burns to her feet, likely caused by hot liquid. Johnson claimed I’ijayah fell from a stroller, but medical evidence contradicted his explanation.

Both parents denied causing harm, asserting they treated her injuries with household remedies. Instead of calling for urgent help, they opted to use public transport to reach the hospital.

Documents from the court indicated that Parker laughed while checking in, dismissing their daughter’s injuries as not serious. The court eventually dropped charges against Parker and Johnson as part of a plea agreement.

The judge imposed the maximum sentences allowed for their respective charges. Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi emphasized the vulnerability of I’ijayah and the suffering she endured.

The investigation revealed the family was homeless and living in a tent. Johnson’s father expressed concerns about the couple’s ability to care for I’ijayah prior to her death, noting he feared for her life.

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital stated it has protocols to investigate any allegations of child abuse or neglect.

Mother and boyfriend arrested after toddler’s death from suspected abuse

Mother and boyfriend arrested after toddler's death from suspected abuse

Mother and boyfriend arrested after toddler’s death from suspected abuse

LIVE OAK, FL – A 33-year-old mother and her boyfriend have been arrested in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son. The child reportedly suffered from apparent head injuries and was found to be covered in bruises and cigarette burns.

Christian Parnell and Curtis David Willey are charged with one count each of aggravated manslaughter of a child. If convicted, they face up to 30 years in state prison.

Suwannee County deputies responded to a medical emergency about 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13. Parnell reported that her son was unresponsive while CPR was being performed. First responders transported the boy to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 4:10 p.m.

Investigators noted swelling to the boy’s head and multiple bruises and scars on his body. In an interview, Parnell claimed her son received injuries from a fall at home 10 days prior, stating he was playing with Willey’s son.

Parnell reported that the boy began to show symptoms of illness a week after the alleged fall. According to her, Willey called her at work on Oct. 13, stating they needed to take the child to the hospital. Before they could leave, the toddler began to vomit and lost consciousness.

Willey stated he was in another room when the incident occurred. He claimed the boy seemed to be in decent health until Oct. 13, when the child displayed concerning symptoms. However, the severity and number of injuries were inconsistent with their explanations.

Authorities stated that both defendants ignored the medical needs of the child, resulting in his death. They are being held without bond at the Suwannee County Jail, with additional charges pending.

The couple’s actions have led to significant scrutiny from law enforcement.

Tragedy strikes as a mother and her boyfriend are charged in a case of suspected child abuse.