May 18, 2013
Associated Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) -- A Columbus man accused of dousing his girlfriend in lighter fluid and setting her on fire has been charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
The Ledger Enquirer of Columbus reports 35-year-old Robert Williams was arrested Wednesday morning and his 44-year-old girlfriend is hospitalized in critical condition with burns to her face, neck, chest and hands.
Williams told police he was trying to light a cigarette in bed when it combusted and set him and his girlfriend on fire. The victim's daughter told a judge the man poured lighter fluid on the woman, and police say they found an empty lighter fluid container in a bathroom trashcan.
Public Defender Charles Lykins argued the aggravated assault charge should be dropped.
Bond for Williams has been set at $100,000.
