Set Him On Fire, Then Changed His Clothes: Mississippi Woman Sentenced To 20 Years

Mississippi Woman Receives Maximum Sentence After Ex-Boyfriend Suffers Devastating Burns

A Madison County jury and prosecutors say Kalena Stubbs, 51, doused her ex‑boyfriend with lighter fluid and set him on fire during an argument. Stubbs pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault and on Dec. 3 was sentenced to 20 years in state prison — the maximum penalty allowed under state law for that charge, Madison County District Attorney John “Bubba” Bramlett said.

Incident and Initial Response

The attack occurred on Jan. 16, when deputies responded to a call about a man who had been badly burned and needed emergency medical attention. Officers found the victim with severe burns across his torso, upper arms and face, but noted his clothing showed little or no fire damage. According to prosecutors, Stubbs told officers she had changed his clothes before calling 911 and claimed he had fallen into a lit fireplace while holding a bottle of lighter fluid.

Investigators also observed an open bottle of lighter fluid on the mantle that did not appear to have been exposed to flame. Because the victim was too injured to speak at the scene, deputies began to suspect Stubbs was involved.

Medical Treatment and Victim Statement

The victim was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Doctors treated third‑degree burns covering his entire upper body; he spent months recovering in burn units and nursing facilities. When he later regained the ability to speak, he told investigators Stubbs had poured lighter fluid on him and set him on fire during an argument — a statement prosecutors said matched the pattern and locations of his injuries.

“The injuries this victim suffered were horrific and some of the most severe we have seen,” Bramlett said. “I know that his injuries will affect him for the rest of his life, and we hope that this sentence gives him some sense that justice has been done.”

Stubbs’ attorney did not respond to requests for comment. Authorities did not release the victim’s name. The Madison County District Attorney’s Office and PEOPLE reported the details of the case.

Context

Prosecutors said they pursued the maximum allowable sentence in light of the severity of the victim’s injuries. The case underscores the long-term medical and emotional consequences of severe burn injuries and is being used by local officials as an example of extreme domestic violence.