Porterville man accused of setting his wife on fire will stand trial

On Wednesday, a Tulare County Superior Court judge ruled a Porterville man will stand trial. 36-year-old Sean Hofmann is accused of multiple charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly setting his wife on fire.

"This is a result of drinking and doing drugs," said Sheena Hofmann, a survivor of domestic violence.

For the first time since that night, Sheena spoke to Action News and recounted details from the brutal attack. She and her husband of nearly a decade became combative just before 6 P.M. on October 10 of last year.

"Domestic violence between us. It was the both of us," said Sheena.

According to the Tulare County District Attorney, Sean Hofmann sprayed gasoline on his wife in their home and then set her on fire.

Sheena's son, Michael Post, was immediately notified by his sister of the violence.

"She was like, 'You need to get to mom's house now. Your stepdad just covered her in gasoline and said he's going to light her on fire,'" said Michael.

Deputies quickly rushed to the couple's Porterville home.

"Her home is where everybody goes to. It's always like if anybody needs anything, they call her. She's always the one who runs to people's rescue if they need it," said Michael.

But it was Sheena who needed to be rescued. First-responders immediately flew her to a hospital in Kern County for treatment of severe burns to her face, arms, and torso.

When Sheena woke up 43 days later, her daughter was delivering the sobering news.

"'You're in the hospital and she said, 'Sean is being accused of setting you on fire,'" said Sheena.

The scars are visible reminders of what happened to her.

"I remember nothing and I'm glad," said Sheena.

Last year, Action News was inside the courtroom days after the brutal attack as Sean made his first appearance. His public defender entered a not guilty plea.

Sheena shared her message with others caught in a similar situation.

"It's not a relationship you want to be in. If there's no trust, there's nothing," said Sheena.

"If you feel like you could be in danger, we encourage you to call us if you need help with safety planning. Or if you have someone who could help walk you through that process," said Ashlee Wolf, Marjaree Mason Center.

Sean Hofmann is scheduled to be arraigned on May 14.

He faces other charges including torture, arson causing great bodily injury, and domestic violence. If convicted on all crimes, Hofmann could be sentenced to life in prison.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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