California Man Accused of Setting Wife on Fire After Dousing Her in Gasoline, Authorities Say
PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA — A California man is in custody after allegedly pouring gasoline on his wife and setting her on fire, leaving her with severe burns across her face, arms, and torso, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded just before 5:30 p.m. Friday to a medical emergency at a home in the 24100 block of Avenue 120 in Porterville, about 50 miles north of Bakersfield. When they arrived, they discovered Sheena Hofmann, the suspect’s wife of 10 years, suffering from life-threatening burn injuries.
Investigators Say Husband Intentionally Ignited Wife
In a press release, investigators said 42-year-old Sean Hofmann had intentionally poured a flammable liquid on or near his wife before igniting it. Deputies quickly identified him as the suspect and took him into custody on charges of aggravated assault and arson.
Authorities said Hofmann’s actions left the victim severely injured but alive. She was airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital, where doctors listed her in stable condition. Officials added that she faces a long recovery ahead due to the extent of her burns.
Hofmann is currently being held at the Tulare County Jail on a $1 million bond, according to law enforcement officials.
Family Identifies Victim as Community-Minded Mother
The victim’s son, Michael Post, identified his mother as Sheena Hofmann in an interview with ABC affiliate KFSN. He said he learned of the attack through a panicked phone call from his sister, who told him that his stepfather had “covered mom in gasoline and said he was going to light her on fire.”
Post said that while his mother and stepfather had frequent arguments during their 10-year marriage, he never saw them physically fight. In a GoFundMe post, he called the ordeal a “horrific act of domestic violence” that shattered their family.
He described his mother as a caring and generous woman who often opened her home to friends and relatives, always willing to help others in need.
“Her home is where everybody goes,” Post said. “If anybody needs anything, they call her. She’s always the one who runs to people’s rescue if they need it.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not disclosed a motive in the case, but investigators said the evidence points to an intentional act of violence. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather statements and forensic evidence from the scene.
Domestic violence advocates in the region have urged families to report early signs of abuse and seek help before confrontations escalate into tragedy.
As Sheena Hofmann continues her recovery, her family is raising funds for medical expenses and long-term care. For continued updates on domestic violence cases and community safety news across California, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.