Politics & Government
Pierce County Man Sentenced to Life for Setting His Girlfriend on Fire
In 2012, Lakewood Police responded to the scene after Aaron Demitris Dukes entered his girlfriend's home, poured rubbing alcohol on her, then lit her on fire.
Aaron Demitris Dukes was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, April 19, after a jury found him guilty of assault in the first degree for setting his girlfriend on fire. This was the defendant’s third strike offense.
“The three strike law was enacted to protect the public from violent criminals like Aaron Dukes,” said Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “The community is safer now that he is permanently behind bars.”
On Jan. 10, 2012, the 31-year-old Pierce County man entered his girlfriend's home, poured rubbing alcohol on her, then lit her on fire. Lakewood Police officers responded to the victim's call. She was immediately transported to the Burn Center at Harborview Medical Center.
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
She sustained second and third degree burns to approximately 12 percent of her body, including her face. The defendant was arrested the following day.
The defendant has several felony convictions including first-degree robbery, possession of stolen property in the first degree and a domestic violence related assault in the second degree.
Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.