A Detroit drug dealer was granted a $5,000 bond despite allegedly setting fire to his girlfriend who was 27 weeks pregnant with twins, burning 60 percent of her body and leaving her critically-ill.
Convicted drug pusher Devonne Marsh, 42, reportedly doused his 26-year-old girlfriend with lighter fluid and ignited her on fire after the pair had an argument.
Police told the Macomb Daily the pregnant mom was being held against her will and tortured. She was afraid to come forward fearing retaliation from Marsh.
She currently remains hospitalized in critical condition. It is unknown if her unborn babies will survive the attack.
Marsh was charged with attempted murder, assault and battery of a pregnant individual, domestic violence, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, delivery/manufacturing of controlled substances, felony possession, felonious assault and felony firearm.
Despite his at least two decades-long criminal record, Marsh was awarded a $50,000 bail, meaning be could be released on a $5,000 bond.
Police, rallying behind the domestic violence survivor, have called the heinous crime ‘unimaginable’ and commend her for coming forward to responding officers.
‘I want to applaud her for coming forward. I want to again let her know that she is not alone,’ Detroit police Sgt. Kyla Williams, who supervises the department’s domestic violence unit, told the newspaper.
‘She has the men and women of the Detroit Police Department to support her.’
‘How do you do this to another human being? It’s unimaginable,’ echoed Commander Michael McGinnis. ‘
Just incredibly traumatic injuries. I just can’t imagine the pain she must be suffering.’
District Attorney Kym Worthy’s office initially charged Marsh with kidnapping/abduction, aggravated/felonious assault, and violation of the controlled substance act.
‘After receiving further evidence, we have dismissed our original charges and immediately reissued charges against him. His original bond was woefully inadequate, and we will be seeking a more appropriate bond given these charges.’
Marsh has been convicted of violent crimes and dealing drugs multiple times over the past 20 years.