Daniel Pace, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for setting his ex-girlfriend on fire
According to reports, an Illinois man, Daniel Pace, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for setting his ex-girlfriend on fire, an act the judge described as “exceptionally brutal and cruel.”
Prosecutors say Pace doused the woman in vodka during an argument, ignited her with a lighter, and then locked her in a room for four days, preventing her from getting medical help.
The victim, who suffered burns on 30% of her body, said she lost two jobs and may never work again. Despite Pace claiming it was an accident, the court rejected his defense.
Daniel N. Pace, 43, had been convicted in May on aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery charges after he showed “wanton cruelty” in pouring vodka on his girlfriend’s head, flicked a lighter twice and set her on fire at their apartment at Landmark Apartments in the 700 block of North Shipman Street in Peoria.
The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office said during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, a letter written by the woman was read aloud in court, saying that her injuries – which included third-degree burns to 19% of her body – may prevent her from working again and have had an emotional, mental and financial toll on her over the past three years.
She also said that the incident with Pace made it difficult to trust others, adding that it was something that she would never wish on anyone.
