South Carolina Women Plead Guilty In Fatal Fire

June 8, 2004
A woman and her friend have pleaded guilty to starting a fire that killed the woman's mother.
LANCASTER, S.C. (AP) -- A woman and her friend have pleaded guilty to starting a fire that killed the woman's mother.

Gwen McAteer and Joyce Ann Hensley were charged with murder, arson and grand larceny in the Nov. 10 fire that killed 60-year-old Pat McAteer.

The women on Monday pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, arson first-degree and grand larceny more than $5,000, said prosecuting attorney Doug Barfield.

Gwen McAteer also pleaded guilty to an additional grand larceny charge under $5,000, Barfield said.

Each woman was sentenced to 25 years on the manslaughter charge, 25 years on the arson charge and 10 years on the grand larceny charge, Barfield said.

Gwen McAteer received five years on the additional grand larceny charge.

Officials said Gwen McAteer and Hensley poured gasoline in the home they shared with Pat McAteer while the older woman was showering.

Firefighters found the body of Pat McAteer in a hallway. She died from smoke inhalation.

The two women also stole checks and a debit card from Pat McAteer before fleeing in her car. They were arrested a day later in Culpeper, Va.

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