Woman Sentenced for Arson and Burglary of Ex-boyfriend’s House
In an unusual case in Charleston, South Carolina, a woman has been sentenced to over a decade in prison for burglarizing and burning down her ex-boyfriend’s house. Toya Steward, 50, was convicted of second-degree arson and second-degree burglary but found not guilty of attempted murder charges.
Detailed Account of the Crime
According to the prosecution, on the morning of February 8, 2020, Steward showed up at her ex-boyfriend’s house, following their break-up. The victim wasn’t at home then.
Later that day, Steward returned to the property, broke the glass on the back door, and began stealing the victim’s possessions. She then proceeded to spread gasoline throughout the house and lit a fire.
Harrowing Escape By Roommate
The victim’s roommate who was in the property at the time heard the explosion. He had been hiding in the bathroom and upon opening the door, found the home engulfed in flames and thick smoke. The roommate escaped the inferno by running across the hallway and jumping out of a bedroom window.
Conviction and Sentencing
Steward was sentenced to 15 years, suspended to 10 years, for second-degree arson. For the charge of second-degree burglary, she received 10 years, which was suspended to 7 years, to be followed by 5 years of probation.
Clues Leading to Steward
The prosecution noted that Steward left a trail of clues leading to her involvement in the crime by relentlessly contacting the victim. Mobile phone records presented during the trial revealed that she had called her ex-boyfriend 127 times and texted him 141 times on the day of the crime.
This high-profile case has drawn attention to the harsh reality of domestic disputes escalating to dangerous levels. Sentencing Steward to over a decade behind bars sends a strong message that such acts are treated seriously by the legal system.
