Man Sets Wife on Fire as Children Watch

Getting set on fire is one of the most excruciating things a person can experience, mentally as well as physically. The immediate pain a person experiences, when they have been set on fire, is just the beginning. A person who is set on fire will breathe in deadly smoke and carbon monoxide as the fire burns the skin and body organs and destroys nerves. A person who survives getting set on fire may face permanent disfigurement.

When an accelerant, such as gasoline, is used in the fire, it burns deeper and stronger, worsening the severity of injuries the individual experiences. A person who is set on fire could very well die from shock if not treated quickly at a burn center.

Recovering from burn injuries causes the same excruciating pain as the burn itself, often taking multiple surgeries to repair the damage. A person who sets themself or who has been set on fire can expect months of treatments just to start the healing process.

Man Sets His Mother of Children on Fire After Argument

On February 14, 2020, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a father forced his two young daughters outside their home into the frigid -1 degree weather. The youngest girl, just 1-year-old, did not have clothes or shoes on when he put them outside. The oldest, age 4, wore only a t-shirt. He then walked back inside the home and doused 23-year-old Savanna Bailey, the mother of the two girls, in gasoline, and set her on fire as the children watched.

The children were not harmed in the incident.

Bailey ran to a neighbor's house and banged on the door before she fell onto the ground and started rolling in an effort to put out the fire. The neighbor dialed 911 and then wrapped Bailey’s kids up in a coat.

Bailey Survived Fire

Bailey suffered burns from the waist up covering 60% of her body in the attack. She spent several months in the hospital where she underwent at least 15 surgeries. While she has significantly improved, she faces many additional surgeries and doctor visits to make a full recovery.

Police learned exactly what occurred with help from the 4-year-old who told them “My daddy did it.” Bailey later told investigators that she was sleeping in her bed around 3:30 a.m. when her boyfriend and father of her kids, Javaunte Jefferson “got to pouring gasoline on me.”

Bailey ran outside where she attempted to extinguish the fire with snow. Bailey drove away from the home, leaving her and the children behind.

Jefferson Arrested; Charged With Six Felony Charges

Police arrested 26-year-old Javaunte Jefferson a short time later, charging him with six felony charges, including attempted murder and arson.

Police say Jefferson told them he set the woman on fire “because she wouldn't pay her taxes and was buying other stuff.” The two had argued earlier in the evening, according to Bailey’s sister. Family members told reporters that Jefferson had always been abusive and controlling.

Conviction & Sentencing

Jefferson was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree arson. He was sentenced to 50-years in prison in March 2021.

Resources/More Case Information:

https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukee-man-receives-50-year-prison-sentence-for-setting-girlfriend-on-fire

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