Woman denies setting boyfriend on fire
An Antioch Township woman pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges she tried to kill her boyfriend in May by setting him on fire at the home the couple shared.
Deborah C. Roberts, 34, faces up to 45 years in prison if found guilty on a charge of aggravated battery using a flammable substance, Lake County Judge Christopher Stride said. Roberts also faces up to 30 years in prison for attempted murder, and 3 to 7 years behind bars for aggravated domestic battery, Stride said.
Roberts' only response in court was "Yes" when Stride asked if she understood the charges. She remains held in Lake County jail on $250,000 bail.
The attack occurred while Roberts and boyfriend Chad Malinowski, 43, were in an argument on the front porch of the house they share on the 25000 block of Golfview Avenue, authorities said.
Roberts kicked Malinowski hard in the right hip, causing him to tumble down a five-foot flight of stairs, authorities said. Roberts told police she kicked Malinowski after he spit on her, authorities said. Both had been drinking before the fight began, authorities said.
Malinowski shattered his heel in the fall, but Roberts chased him down the stairs and grabbed a red plastic gasoline can and repeatedly bludgeoned him with it, authorities said.
Roberts told police she flicked the top of a disposable lighter in a threatening manner, but the gasoline that was spilled on Malinowski ignited.
However, authorities said a witness heard Roberts say "I hope you burn," as she flicked the lighter.
Assistant State's Attorney Matt DeMartini said Roberts told police that after the fire started, she grabbed a hose and tried to put out the flames while Malinowski stumbled to the middle of the yard. However, DeMartini said witnesses said Roberts poured more gasoline on Malinowski as he tried to put himself out.
Malinowski was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body and a shattered heel. He was transferred to the burn unit at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital in Milwaukee, authorities said.
Assistant State's Attorney Jason Humke said Malinowski's condition has not changed since the May 17 attack, and he remains in the burn unit at St. Mary's Hospital.
Roberts is due back in court July 6 for a case management hearing. Her trial is tentatively scheduled for July 13.