Woman to stand trial in boyfriend’s arson death

HONESDALE, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a northeastern Pennsylvania woman charged in the arson death of her boyfriend was jealous that he had been in touch with his ex-wife.

A Wayne County judge has ordered 45-year-old Susan Marie Bates to stand trial on homicide and arson charges in the May 1 death of 40-year-old Tim Wood.

Investigators say Bates set a blanket on fire and fled their Honesdale home through a second-floor window but Wood failed to make it out of the house.

At Wednesday’s preliminary hearing, witnesses said Bates set two other fires in the home the day of the fatal blaze.

Investigators say Bates told them she set the fire because her boyfriend had contacted his ex-wife.

Bates’ attorney questioned whether investigators should have questioned her client without consulting a doctor about her mental state.