CALIFORNIA — Officials say 51-year-old Clarence Duwell Dear set a woman on fire on Christmas day during an argument.
The victim has been identified as Dawn Hensley. She died from her injuries.
On December 25, 2015, at approximately 1:44 PM, officers were called to the 1500 block of Cordova St. after reports of a person who had been set on fire. Neighbors who saw the victim run from the residence engulfed in flames rendered assistance as she collapsed on the street and remained with her until LA County Fire personnel arrived. The victim was treated for severe burns and was transported to a local hospital where she died shortly thereafter as a result of her injuries.
Pomona Police Department Homicide Detectives responded and are currently investigating this incident. Preliminary information suggests that the suspect and victim became involved in a heated argument that escalated to physical violence. It appears that during a domestic dispute, the suspect chased the victim from their residence and was able to douse the victim with gasoline. The suspect then ignited the victim, possibly with a lit cigarette. The victim collapsed in the street and the suspect fled the scene.
Dear was arrested following a tip.
