BECKLEY, W.Va. — The man accused of dousing his fiance in gasoline then setting her on fire pleaded guilty to multiple charges Tuesday.
According to The Register-Herald, Dwayne Michael Lane, 47 of Beckley, went against his attorney’s recommendation by pleading guilty to a charge of first degree murder, domestic battery and two counts of gross child neglect creating serious bodily injury or death.
Lane previously waived preliminary hearings on charges of kidnapping, domestic battery, child neglect and arson. The incident occurred at around 1 a.m. on September 17, 2017 at the Earle Street residence of Belinda Cox, 48.
Lane allegedly poured gasoline on Cox in the front yard of her home before lighting her on fire. Two juveniles who witnessed the crime called 911.
Cox died from her injuries at a Pittsburgh burn center on October 4.
Lane’s sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2018.