Macon man sentenced to 40 years for setting woman on fire

Prosecutors say the victim survived after suffering severe burns in the 2018 attack.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Bibb County man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of setting his former girlfriend on fire in a domestic violence case.

According to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Christopher Ivry was convicted Wednesday of aggravated assault, aggravated battery and tampering with evidence.

Prosecutors say the charges stem from a December 17, 2018 incident in which Ivry poured gasoline on the victim and ignited it with a lighter.

Investigators say the victim was able to get into her vehicle and drive for help after suffering severe burns. They say Ivry later called 911 and gave a false account of what happened, attempting to blame the victim.

Prosecutors say Ivry also tried to interfere with the case after his arrest by sending messages from the victim’s social media account in an effort to have charges dropped.

Ivry fled twice before being taken into custody and brought to trial, according to prosecutors.