A Georgia man will spend the next three decades behind bars after admitting he poured gasoline on a woman and set her on fire during an argument over a $100 debit card charge.
Roger Evans, 52, was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by another 10 years on probation after pleading guilty in connection with the horrifying April attack.
Authorities said the violence began after Evans asked the woman to drive him to a gas station so he could buy fuel for a generator being used to power his home.
While they were out, the woman received an alert on her phone showing that Evans had allegedly used her debit card to purchase $100 worth of gasoline without her permission.
The discovery sparked an argument after they returned to the home.
According to an arrest affidavit, Evans was holding a gasoline container when the confrontation escalated. He poured gasoline over the woman and began threatening to set her on fire while flicking a lighter, investigators said.
Moments later, the woman was engulfed in flames.
Her screams attracted the attention of a witness, who rushed over to help.
Evans eventually used a blanket to extinguish the flames, but the woman had already suffered devastating injuries.
Evans and the witness placed her inside a vehicle and began rushing her toward a hospital. Evans called 911 while they were on the way.
The victim suffered extensive burns and remained hospitalized for several months as doctors treated her injuries.
Authorities said her recovery has been long and difficult.
The case ultimately ended with Evans pleading guilty rather than proceeding to trial.
Prosecutors said Evans pleaded guilty to aggravated assault-family violence and aggravated battery-family violence. Authorities have since identified the victim as his girlfriend and said she has undergone more than 20 surgeries while recovering from the attack.
Evans received a 40-year sentence, with 30 years to be served in prison and the remaining 10 years on probation.
The Jones County Sheriff’s Office said officials hope the conclusion of the criminal case gives the victim some measure of peace after the ordeal.
“We continue to wish her strength and healing as she moves forward in her recovery,” the sheriff’s office said.
Although the prison sentence brings the criminal prosecution to an end, the physical and emotional effects of the attack are expected to remain with the victim long after Evans begins serving his sentence.
He got what he deserves .Maybe while in prison he will repent as he serves his time .