Pennsylvania man attacked wife after setting home on fire, dragged her toward the flames, police say
A York County man was taken into custody after assaulting his wife and setting their home on fire while she was still inside, according to the Northern York County Regional Police Department.
Officers responded to a home in the 1000 block of Matthew Drive in Conewago Township on Friday, July 15, for a reported domestic disturbance.
Police met with the homeowner, who told investigators that her husband, Eric Smith, 61, had assaulted her several times before setting the residence on fire, according to the affidavit.
Dispute leads to house set on fire, police say
Court documents stated that the victim was divorcing Smith and had plans to move to Florida on the day of the incident.
Authorities said the couple had agreed to divide proceeds from the sale of the home, which was solely in the wife's name. She told investigators that Smith became angry after learning he would receive about $11,850, his share of an approximately $22,000 payout, according to police.
According to the affidavit, Smith went downstairs while yelling and cursing. The woman later smelled smoke and saw it rising from the first floor, investigators said.
When the victim confronted Smith, he told her that he had set the house on fire and responded, "So what, I don’t care," according to the affidavit.
Woman attacked and strangled, police say
Police said Smith repeatedly punched his wife in the face and head, causing her to fall. He then stood over her and continued striking her, according to the affidavit.
Investigators said Smith then placed both hands around her throat and squeezed "as hard as he could," the victim told police. The woman stated that she was unable to breathe for about a minute before escaping his grip by bending one of his thumbs backward, according to the affidavit.
Authorities said the victim had swelling and bruising around her forehead, eye and neck area.
Woman was dragged toward the fire, police say
According to the affidavit, Smith dragged his wife down the hallway toward the source of the fire, where the woman said she could see heavy smoke coming from a room.
Police said Smith pulled her through the doorway, threw her onto the floor and attempted to close the door, which did not close completely because the woman's body was blocking it.
According to investigators, Smith returned to the front of the house, leaving his wife in the smoke-filled room.
Although she was dizzy, police said the woman was able to escape the room, run outside and seek help from a neighbor who called 911.
Fire started with paint thinner, investigators say
Pennsylvania State Police fire investigators determined that the fire originated in an unfinished room next to the laundry room.
Investigators found an open can of paint thinner on the floor, which police said Smith used to start the fire.
Charged with attempted homicide
According to police, Smith admitted to setting the house on fire and trying to kill his wife.
Smith was taken into custody and charged with:
- Attempted criminal homicide
- Two counts of aggravated assault
- Two counts of arson
- Two counts of aggravated arson
- Causing catastrophe
- Strangulation
- Risking catastrophe
- Simple assault
- Harassment