William Helmer: Michigan man who set woman on fire after money dispute sentenced to 40 years in prison

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: William Helmer, a 67-year-old former convict, has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison on November 29 for setting a woman on fire four years ago. The charges against Helmer included one count of assault with intent to murder and aggravated assault.

Judge Shannon Walker told Helmer during his sentencing, "After sitting through your trial, viewing the photographs, observing the psychological effect you’ve had on the victim, I’ve come to one conclusion. You are a cold-blooded human being and there is no justification for your actions.”

According to Detroit’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV, the judge noted that Helmer’s long history of violence influenced the sentencing. The criminal history of the newly-convicted dates back to the 1970s.

He was released from prison in 2017 and discharged from parole in 2018, reported ABC’s Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV.

Who is William Helmer's victim?

Dorothy Spinella had finished her shift on the night of November 9, 2019, when Helmer walked up to her, doused her with gasoline, and lit her on fire. The two were reportedly having a dispute over money.

A police officer was flagged down by citizens near a Coney Island restaurant in the 25810 block of Seven Mile Road in Redford, a Detroit suburb, reporting a woman on the ground with severe burns and emitting smoke.

Spinella was critically injured and suffered burns on nearly 50% of her body. After staying at the hospital for months, she was eventually released to be cared for at home by her son.

"I’m just grateful to be here. It upsets me to even think about it. It’s very upsetting that someone could do this to another human being,” she reportedly told Fox2.

Victim shares relief over sentencing

Dorothy Spinella was not present during the sentencing of William Helmer.

"I no longer have to look at that guy. I didn’t want to see him today. I never want to see him ever again in my life,” she said.

"When they said 40-80 years, I had a tear in my eye of happiness. We were filled with happiness because what a relief. I never have to worry about him knocking around my house.”

The victim's son, Bryan, felt that justice was finally served by the sentencing, telling WDIV-TV, "(The sentence) could be more. But the sentencing they gave him is about almost a lifetime and a half sentencing. I’m ok with that. Because I know he’s not going to come out alive.”