An Illinois man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after a horrifying act of domestic violence left his ex-girlfriend with third-degree burns across nearly a third of her body.
Daniel N. Pace, 43, was sentenced this week to 60 years behind bars—the maximum allowed—after a jury found him guilty of aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery. A judge ruled that his actions showed “exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior, indicative of wanton cruelty.”
The attack happened on August 19, 2022, during an argument at the Landmark Apartment Complex in Peoria. Prosecutors said Pace grabbed a bottle of vodka, poured it over the victim’s head, and lit her on fire—not once, but twice.
“She suffered permanent, disfiguring injuries,” the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a statement. Third-degree burns covered nearly 20% of her body, and in total, 30% of her skin was damaged.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim’s statement was read aloud in court. She described a life filled with constant physical pain, loss of employment, and emotional trauma. She said she still struggles to trust others and battles the mental scars of the attack every day.
“She may never be able to work again,” prosecutors added.
Judge Stephen A. Kouri didn’t hold back during sentencing. According to local outlet WEEK, he told the courtroom: “I’ve thought it before but never said it. You are an incredibly evil person. We need a break from you.”
Pace reportedly interrupted the judge and tried to defend himself, claiming his past relationships were toxic on both sides. But prosecutors painted a darker picture—telling the court that during the relationship, Pace hospitalized the woman multiple times, and after setting her on fire, locked her in the apartment for four days, refusing to let her seek help.
He later told authorities the incident was just an “accident” while the two were using drugs. The jury didn’t buy it.
Under Illinois law, violent offenders like Pace must serve at least 85% of their sentence, meaning he’ll likely remain behind bars until he’s well into his 90s.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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