Man Arrested After Oklahoma City Woman Set On Fire

An Albuquerque man is in the Oklahoma County jail after being accused of setting the mother of his children on fire.

Tuesday, March 9th 2010, 5:19 pm

By: News 9


By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Albuquerque man is in the Oklahoma County jail after being accused of setting the mother of his children on fire.

George Rodriguez, 34, was arrested Tuesday on two complaints of arson and one complaint of destroying police property.

One of the victim's daughters called 911 for help when Rodriguez allegedly forced his way into their house.

Investigators said they believe Rodriguez then poured gasoline over the woman before setting her on fire Tuesday afternoon in the backyard of a southeast Oklahoma City home, Police Capt. Patrick Stewart said.

"At some point, he put clothes up against the house, set those clothes on fire, which then set part of the house on fire itself, and that's where the second arson count comes in," Capt. Stewart said.

The destruction of police property complaint was added when Rodriguez tried to escape by busting out a back window of a police unit, Stewart said.

The woman was transported to the Baptist Burn Center in critical condition. She is suffering from third-degree burns on 30 to 40 percent of her body.

The woman's name has not been released. Police said she and Rodriguez had a 12-year relationship, but they separated one year ago and Rodriguez moved to New Mexico.

In 2008, Rodriguez was arrested in New Mexico for assaulting a peace officer, eluding police and drug charges. He is currently on probation.

Neighbor Ann Coulter said the woman came running for help with her three young girls.

"It was just like you would roll down your sleeves is what her skin was doing. She was burned around her chest and up to her face," Coulter said.

Coulter watched the girls while their mother was taken to the hospital. She said the girls told her they didn't see their father set their mother on fire, but they did see their mom on fire in the backyard.

Coulter also called 911 to report the incident. She said she was told Rodriguez even dumped gasoline inside the victim's mouth.

"He's sick. How can you do that to another human being, especially when she has three of your children?" Coulter said.

Police said the children are now with family.

"The children were placed, after we worked with DHS, with a relative of our victim, and so they're currently with someone at least that they know and someone that's been authorized and approved through a DHS background check," said Oklahoma City Police Capt. Patrick Stewart.

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