Montana Woman Allegedly Set Van on Fire With Boyfriend Trapped Inside, Bragged to Friend: ‘I Lit His A— on Fire’

BOZEMAN, MONTANA — A Montana woman is accused of setting her boyfriend’s van on fire while he was still trapped inside, killing him — and later bragging to a friend about it in a chilling phone call, according to investigators.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said 51-year-old Beth Bakken has been charged with deliberate homicide and arson in connection with the death of 44-year-old Robert Welch, her on-again, off-again boyfriend.

Firefighters Discover Victim Inside Burning Van

Authorities were called around 6:41 a.m. Wednesday to the King Arthur Trailer Court near 18 Bedivere Boulevard, west of Bozeman, after reports of a van engulfed in flames.

When first responders arrived, they found a white Dodge van burning intensely. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters discovered Welch’s body in the rear passenger compartment.

An autopsy later confirmed that Welch died from smoke inhalation, suggesting he was still alive when Bakken allegedly set the van ablaze, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported.

‘I Lit His A— on Fire. He’s a D—’

Detectives said Bakken was found running near the scene about a half-mile away shortly after the fire.

During questioning, she admitted to having a volatile relationship with Welch, claiming he was “physically abusive.” Police confirmed they had previous encounters involving the pair before the deadly incident.

One of Bakken’s friends later told investigators she received a phone call shortly after the fire. During that call, Bakken reportedly bragged about the killing, saying:

“I lit his a— on fire. He’s a d—.”

Investigators also obtained cellphone location data placing Bakken at the scene when the fire started.

Suspect Held on $500,000 Bond

Bakken is currently being held at the Gallatin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 14.

Authorities said they are still gathering evidence related to the incident and have not ruled out additional charges.

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