Man convicted of using Cheetos to try and burn down ex's home
TAUNTON, Mass. —
A 31-year-old Taunton man who attempted to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s house while she was still inside was convicted of malicious destruction of property and sentenced to serve the maximum two-and-a-half year jail sentence, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Shemroy Williams, of 42 Weir St., was convicted by a jury in Taunton District Court after just one hour of deliberation, the Taunton Gazette reported.
On March 10, 2016, Taunton police and fire officials responded to 164 Somerset Ave. after the intended victim and her friend reported that the defendant was attempting to light the home on fire.
An investigation revealed Williams attempted to light the home on fire in five different locations and wedged a propane tank up against the house while a fire on the back porch was burning.
Fire officials were able to pull the tank away from the home before it ignited.
Police located Williams about 100 yards away from the home with two lighters in his pocket and an empty bag of Cheetos. Investigators determined the defendant attempted to use the Cheetos to accelerate the fire.
“The defendant engaged in outrageous behavior that jeopardized the safety of the intended victim, her friend and first responders,” said District Attorney Thomas Quinn. “I want to thank Deputy Fire Chief Scott Dexter for his quick response and removal of the propane tank. I would also like to thank Judge Brennan for imposing the maximum jail sentence, which was well deserved.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson and the sentence was handed down by Judge Michael Brennan.
Williams’ ex-girlfriend told police she’d previously had a romantic relationship with him and he’d been stalking her.
She told police he had destroyed her cellphone, told her he thinks about killing her and had damaged her car by cutting undercarriage wires that he might have thought were a brake line, police said.
