TACOMA, WA – Today Angel Luis Sierra Reyes, 39, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing his girlfriend by setting her on fire at their South Hill home. In April, Reyes pleaded guilty to murder in the first degree.
The courtroom was filled with Bazan’s family members, who wore t-shirts printed with her photo and nickname, “Lucy.” Bazan’s sister-in-law and niece told the judge that Bazan was a hard-working woman, who was committed to providing for her teenage son.
Prosecutor Mark Lindquist called the murder “a horrific example of domestic violence.”
On May 5, 2014, the victim, Maria Bazan, and Reyes got into an argument about their relationship. Reyes retrieved a gas can, poured the fuel on Bazan and ignited it using a handheld lighter. Bazan ran from the home and a neighbor put out the flames using a garden hose. Reyes walked out of the home, got into his pickup truck and drove away. Bazan suffered serious burns covering the majority of her body and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
A Lakewood officer spotted Reyes’s truck a short time later and pulled him over. Reyes repeatedly ignored the officer’s commands, so the officer ordered his K-9 partner to apprehend him. The K-9 ran towards Reyes, but when the dog got close, he kicked him in the head. After a struggle, officers were able to detain Reyes and place him under arrest. They noticed fresh burns on his arms, so they transported him to the hospital.
In his hospital room, Reyes told a deputy that he “blacked out” with anger during the argument with his girlfriend and admitted to setting her on fire.
Thirteen days after being set on fire, Bazan died from her injuries.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Songer
Communications and Public Information Coordinator
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
253-798-6265
253-380-5856
[email protected]