A Peoria man was sentenced to 60 years in prison Wednesday for pouring alcohol on his girlfriend and setting her on fire in August 2022, resulting in her sustaining permanent burns.
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.
Peoria County Circuit Judge Stephen Kouri said that Pace was a “incredibly violent” and “evil” person, saying that his actions were enough to forfeit his right to live in society.
The 60-year sentence is the maximum that could be handed down.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria man sentenced to decades in prison for lighting his girlfriend on fire
Reporting by Zach Roth, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
