April 15--ELKHART -- A man convicted of multiple charges after he tried to light his ex-wife on fire was sentenced in Elkhart's Superior Court 2 on Monday morning, April 14.
Larry Haines Sr., 47, was sentenced to an aggregate sentence of 80 years in prison, according to a press release from the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office.
Haines was arrested in August 2013 after he kicked in the door of his ex-wife's house and began spraying lighter fluid throughout the house and on her, according to the probable cause affidavit for his arrest.
Haines was convicted following a jury trial March 13, 2014, of burglary, attempted arson, intimidation and battery. Because of the nature and timing of the criminal acts, Haines faced up to 180 years in prison, according to the press release.
During the sentencing hearing, deputy prosecutor Katelan Doyle said Haines' behavior was heinous and egregious. She said Haines, after attempting to light the victim and house on fire, resorted to stealing the cremated remains of the victim's son and taunting her until she reached the safety of a neighbor, according to the press release.
Doyle also mentioned the evidence that was received at trial, which included a jail tape and multiple letters that had threats directed at witnesses in an attempt to change testimony.
The threats included one that told a witness to "be in court on Tuesday or have (Jeanie Haines) in the river," according to the press release.
Superior Court 2 Judge Stephen Bowers said he was shocked by Haines' lack of remorse and disregard for the system and the victim.
"To what extent does terrorizing someone in their own home, go beyond what is necessary to prove Intimidation?" Bowers asked during the sentencing.
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