Bozeman, MT – A 51-year-old Montana woman has been arrested and charged with deliberate homicide and arson after allegedly setting a van on fire with her boyfriend trapped inside. Investigators say the woman later bragged about the killing, telling a friend, “I lit his a— on fire. He’s a d—.”
The Incident: Van Found Burning with Victim Inside
According to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 6:41 a.m. Wednesday to reports of a vehicle fire near 18 Bedivere Boulevard in the King Arthur Trailer Court, west of Bozeman. When firefighters arrived, they found a white Dodge van engulfed in flames.
After extinguishing the fire, responders discovered the body of 44-year-old Robert Welch inside the van’s rear passenger compartment. Investigators determined that Welch died from smoke inhalation, indicating that he was alive when the fire was set.
Authorities immediately launched a homicide investigation, suspecting foul play based on the fire’s origin and the victim’s location inside the vehicle.
Investigation and Evidence
Deputies soon located 51-year-old Beth Bakken running near the area, approximately half a mile from the scene. She was detained and questioned by detectives from the sheriff’s office.
Bakken told investigators that she and Welch had been in an on-again, off-again relationship and described him as “physically abusive.” Law enforcement officials confirmed that they had responded to multiple past incidents involving the couple.
According to an arrest report obtained by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Bakken’s story quickly began to unravel. Detectives learned that she allegedly confessed to a friend shortly after the fire, saying:
“I lit his a— on fire. He’s a d—.”
Authorities also reviewed cellphone location data, which placed Bakken at the exact location of the burning van at the time of the incident.
Investigators said these findings, combined with physical evidence from the scene, led to Bakken’s immediate arrest on deliberate homicide and arson charges.
Court Proceedings and Legal Charges
Bakken was booked into the Gallatin County Detention Center on $500,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 14. Prosecutors said she faces the potential of life imprisonment if convicted of both charges.
According to court documents, the deliberate homicide charge was filed because Bakken intentionally caused the death of another person, while the arson charge was added for knowingly starting a fire that resulted in a fatality.
An autopsy confirmed that Welch’s death was the result of smoke inhalation rather than burns, suggesting that he suffered while trapped inside the van as it burned.
Statements and Reactions
Authorities have not confirmed whether Bakken has legal representation or entered a plea. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has described the case as “disturbing” due to the premeditated and callous nature of the act.
“This was not an accident or a spur-of-the-moment fire,” one investigator told local media. “Evidence shows intent and an effort to leave the scene immediately after the act.”
Friends of Welch have expressed shock and sadness, describing him as “quiet” and “friendly” despite the couple’s troubled relationship. Several neighbors reported hearing an argument earlier that morning before the fire was reported.
Background Context
Montana law defines deliberate homicide as purposely or knowingly causing the death of another person, carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. Arson resulting in death can also lead to decades-long sentences under state law.
Experts say this case highlights the dangers of domestic violence escalation, noting that previous incidents between Bakken and Welch had been documented by law enforcement. The tragedy underscores the need for intervention and protection in volatile relationships before they turn deadly.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Bakken remains in custody as investigators continue processing evidence from the burned vehicle and surrounding area. Officials are analyzing forensic residue, accelerant traces, and electronic communications between Bakken and witnesses leading up to the incident.
Prosecutors said additional charges could be added if new evidence emerges. The next preliminary hearing is expected to outline the timeline of events and determine whether Bakken will face trial.
Conclusion
The shocking case has left the Bozeman community shaken, with authorities calling it one of the most gruesome domestic violence incidents in recent memory. As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to Robert Welch’s death, prosecutors say they are committed to pursuing justice for the victim and holding the suspect fully accountable.
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