An Arkansas man who tried to blame faulty wiring for the fire that killed his wife has been sentenced to 75 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder and arson.
Bruce Lee Cockrell, 48, was sentenced on Thursday after admitting to the murder of his wife, Tonya Marie Liggin-Cockrell, 35, who died from injuries sustained in a July 8, 2024, attack. Court documents indicate Cockrell doused his wife with “weed eater gas” during an argument.
When first responders arrived at their home, Liggin-Cockrell was still alive despite having what appeared to be burns over 100% of her body. Cockrell told police the fire was caused by “possibly illegal” electrical work, even helping paramedics load his wife onto a backboard. A deputy, however, noted that Cockrell had no injuries, despite claiming he was in bed when the fire started. Police also found a jug of weed-eater gas in the kitchen.
The true account emerged after Liggin-Cockrell was transported to a hospital. A nurse contacted law enforcement, reporting the victim repeatedly stating, “He set me on fire, he set me on fire.” Liggin-Cockrell detailed that Cockrell had been hitting and punching her before pouring gasoline on her and setting her on fire.
While initially denying the allegations, Cockrell later changed his story in custody. He admitted that after an argument, he poured the gas on his wife. He claimed she then lit a cigarette, igniting herself, before running out of the house. Liggin-Cockrell died of her injuries the next day, July 9, 2024.
Cockrell pleaded guilty to murder and arson, receiving 45 years for murder and 30 years for arson, to be served consecutively for a total of 75 years.
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