A 43-year-old man in Illinois has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend that left her with severe burns covering nearly one-third of her body.
Daniel N. Pace, who was convicted of aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery, has been condemned for his exceptionally cruel behavior in an incident that left his victim permanently scarred and emotionally shattered.
The Horrific Attack
On August 19, 2022, Daniel Pace and his ex-girlfriend got into a violent argument at the Landmark Apartment Complex in Peoria, Illinois. In a fit of rage, Pace grabbed a bottle of vodka, poured it over the victim’s head, and then set her on fire by flicking a lighter not once, but twice.
The victim, who suffered third-degree burns covering 19% of her body, endured excruciating physical pain and permanent damage. The burns extended over 30% of her body, causing life-altering injuries.
Following the attack, Pace kept his victim locked in the apartment for several days, refusing her medical attention. Prosecutors noted that Pace’s behavior was not an isolated incident, as he had reportedly abused numerous women dating back to the early 2000s.
Victim’s Impact Statement
The victim, whose life has been forever changed by Pace’s actions, penned a heartfelt victim impact statement that was read aloud in court during sentencing. The statement detailed the profound effect the attack has had on her life, including the loss of two jobs and the possibility of never being able to work again.
The victim also expressed the emotional and mental toll the attack has taken on her, revealing that she continues to struggle with daily pain, trust issues, and the long-term scars of the violent act.
The victim’s injuries have not only caused physical pain but also led to significant financial hardship. The victim, who remains in constant pain, shared the deep emotional scars caused by this horrifying experience, noting that she would never wish this suffering on anyone.
The Court’s Response and Sentence
During the sentencing, Judge Stephen A. Kouri described Pace as an “incredibly violent person” and labeled him “an incredibly evil person.” The judge’s words reflected the severity of the crime and the need for Pace to be removed from society.
Pace, who has a history of abusive relationships, attempted to defend his actions by claiming that the incident was an “accident” that happened while using drugs. However, his claims were met with harsh criticism from the court.
The judge imposed the maximum sentence of 60 years in prison, with Pace required to serve at least 85% of his sentence under Illinois’ “Truth in Sentencing” laws. This means that Pace will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars for the horrific attack he carried out.
The Lasting Effects on the Victim
While Pace faces decades in prison, the victim’s suffering continues. She will carry the emotional, physical, and financial scars of the attack for the rest of her life. The impact of the crime goes beyond just the physical burns; it has affected her ability to work, her emotional well-being, and her trust in others.
The sentencing of Daniel Pace brings some measure of justice to a woman whose life was shattered by a violent and senseless act. While Pace will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, the victim’s recovery will be a long and difficult journey.
Her powerful statement in court underscored the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding abusers accountable for their actions.
