Search Results for: fire

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.

South Carolina man pleads guilty to murder of girlfriend and sets her body on fire

Denmark, SC Jarrett Haskell Davis, 28, pleaded guilty on Monday to the murder of his girlfriend Megan Bodiford, 25. He also admitted to charges of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, third-degree arson, and desecration of human remains.

Davis received a sentence of 43 years in prison for the murder, with additional time added for the other charges. Bodiford was reported missing on or around April 25, when she was last seen in Denmark, approximately 60 miles south of Columbia.

Before her disappearance, Bodiford sent a text to a friend stating, “If you don’t hear from me in 30 minutes, he killed me.” That message included a warning that Davis had a gun.

Bodiford had a four-month-old baby and was experiencing domestic issues in her relationship with Davis, according to her family. Friends noted her reaching out for help prior to her death.

Davis was apprehended after police located a burned-out car containing Bodiford’s remains about two miles from her residence.

Bodiford’s family expressed frustration with law enforcement, claiming that Davis had a domestic violence arrest warrant at the time. They believe that his prior arrest could have prevented Bodiford’s murder.

Bodiford was a mother to three daughters, ages 7, 4, and 4 months. Family members wished to remember her as a caring mother and a beloved friend.

Cincinnati man arrested for setting flags on fire in targeted arson attacks

Cincinnati, OH

A man is under arrest for allegedly igniting flags outside several homes. Authorities report that the suspect, Thomas Niehaus, is accused of expressing approval while committing these acts.

Niehaus faces seven counts of aggravated arson and three counts of arson. He is also facing a federal indictment for these incidents.

The incidents reportedly took place on July 30 when Niehaus targeted residences with Pride flags and other decorations.

Witnesses noted Niehaus roaming in Clifton and Northside, setting fire to items including a yard sign featuring a Ukrainian flag.

Prosecutor Connie Pillich condemned the actions, describing them as targeted and hateful. She affirmed the commitment to support the LGBTQIA+ community.

In October, a federal indictment added a new charge for malicious use of fire, according to court documents. Security footage reportedly shows Niehaus shouting homophobic slurs during the incidents.

Niehaus allegedly utilized a tiki torch and fuel while under the influence. He stated he acted on advice from someone he called a friend.

Prosecutors emphasize the potential risk the smaller fires posed to homes nearby. The flames could have led to larger house fires, particularly affecting elderly victims.

During his arraignment in August, Niehaus disrupted the courtroom, shouting about fighting for children. He remains in Butler County Jail on federal hold.

Woman accused of setting boyfriend on fire during domestic dispute

Bozeman, MT A woman in Bozeman has been charged with homicide and arson after allegedly setting a van on fire with her boyfriend trapped inside. The incident occurred Wednesday at 6:41 a.m. when the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle fire at King Arthur Trailer Court.

Firefighters discovered 44-year-old Robert Welch dead in the rear passenger compartment of a white Dodge van after extinguishing the flames. An autopsy revealed that Welch died from smoke inhalation.

Fifty-one-year-old Beth Bakken was arrested later that day about half a mile from the scene. During an interview, Bakken described her tumultuous relationship with Welch, claiming he had been physically abusive.

Authorities spoke to a friend of Bakken who received a call shortly after the fire. Bakken allegedly stated, “I lit his a— on fire. He’s a d—.”

Cellphone data placed Bakken in the area at the time of the fire. She currently remains at the Gallatin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 14.