A domestic dispute over the temperature in a Williston, Florida, home ended in tragedy when Robert Head, 58, allegedly set his wife, Genevether Head, on fire.
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The incident unfolded after Robert expressed dissatisfaction with the warmth of their house, demanding that Genevether increase the air conditioning. When she refused, Robert’s response escalated to a shocking level.
According to court affidavits obtained by Law & Crime, Robert Head, in a fit of rage, ran outside, grabbed a pot, filled it with gasoline, and returned to confront his wife.
“If we’re going out, we’re going out together, I told you I ain’t never leaving you,” he reportedly said before dousing Genevether with gasoline and igniting her with a flaming piece of paper.
The fire quickly spread, causing severe burns to Genevether and also injuring their daughter, who was present at the scene.
Williston Fire Rescue responded to the emergency call at approximately 7:48 p.m. on Thursday.
Upon arrival, they found part of the home engulfed in flames. Firefighters discovered Genevether inside the house, but she had already succumbed to her injuries.
The police, alerted by the fire rescue team, found Robert hiding in a dog kennel with a machete. He reportedly told officers that he intended to harm himself.
After being taken into custody, Robert admitted to setting Genevether on fire, citing long-standing tensions and frequent arguments, particularly about defending their daughter, as the reasons behind his actions.
Genevether’s daughter, who had been living with her mother for about two years, recounted the volatile nature of her parents’ relationship.
She mentioned that disputes over the home’s temperature were a common source of conflict. On the day of the incident, Robert allegedly called Genevether derogatory names, including “broke b—-,” before carrying out the attack.
Family members, including Genevether’s nephew Jamell Bradshaw, described her as a blunt but caring person who rarely refused to help others.
Bradshaw expressed deep sorrow over the loss and noted that Genevether’s daughter is recovering from her injuries but is also grappling with the trauma of losing her mother in such a violent manner.
Robert Head is now facing charges of first-degree murder and arson. He is being held at the Levy County Jail without bond, as the community mourns the loss of Genevether Head and grapples with the devastating effects of this tragic incident.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
