N.Y. man found guilty of setting girlfriend, house, and himself on fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (TCD) -- A 33-year-old man was found guilty this week of fatally setting his girlfriend on fire, while also lighting his home and himself ablaze in the process.

According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, on Jan. 11, 2018, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Frank J. Bredt Jr. poured accelerant onto his girlfriend, 28-year-old Elisabeth Bell. Bredt allegedly set her on fire inside their home, and in the process, the fire spread to himself and the home.

The Buffalo Fire Department and officers from the Buffalo Police Department responded to the residence on Manhattan Avenue and found Bell's body on the second floor of the home, the District Attorney's Office says. There were reportedly five other people who were able to escape the home, including Bell's 7-year-old daughter, who endured burns on her feet.

According to the District Attorney's Office, Bredt escaped the home with burns and tried to hide. He was reportedly located and transported to the hospital where he was hospitalized in the burn treatment center for over a year.

Bredt was held without bail after his indictment on April 18, 2018, the District Attorney's Office says.

The District Attorney's Office announced on March 29, that a jury found Bredt guilty of two counts of second-degree murder following a 6-day trial. His sentencing is reportedly scheduled for May 2, and he face a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

In a statement, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said, "This is one of the most horrific domestic violence homicide cases that has been prosecuted by my office. This defendant intentionally killed his girlfriend by burning her alive in her bedroom."

Flynn added, "I hope this defendant understands the excruciating pain that he caused this young mother after being severely burned as a result of his murderous actions. The family of Elisabeth Bell has waited a long time for justice and I hope they feel that justice has been served."

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