Peoria Standard

May 3, 2025, Peoria, IL – Daniel N. Pace, aged 42, has been found guilty in a bench trial of Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Domestic Battery. The case revolves around the incident where he set his girlfriend on fire nearly three years ago, which resulted in severe burns covering 30% of her body, with 19% being classified as third-degree burns.

During the trial, the victim provided a detailed account of the events that occurred on August 19, 2022. She was living with Pace at the Landmark Apartment Complex when an argument escalated. It was during this altercation that "Pace grabbed a bottle of vodka, poured it over her head, and then flicked a lighter—not once, but twice—setting her ablaze." After the incident, she stated she fell to the floor, and Pace extinguished the fire with a blanket.

Throughout the investigation, Pace offered varied explanations of the incident, consistently claiming that the victim had set herself on fire. Despite this defense, Pace later altered his account during the trial, suggesting he had inadvertently set her ablaze while she was in bed. This narrative was challenged by testimony from the lead detective who pointed out, "there were no burn marks on the bed, only on the floor of the apartment," reinforcing the victim's testimony. Photographic evidence showcased burns not just on her front and side, but also on her backside.

The court has scheduled the sentencing for July 9.