Michigan woman escapes life sentence after arson that killed her boyfriend and dogs

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (WOOD) – A Michigan woman faces at least 35 years in prison for intentionally setting fire to a house that killed her boyfriend and his two dogs.

The Office of the Attorney General of Michigan announced Tuesday that 43-year-old Hope Snyder pleaded no contest to several counts, including second-degree murder, first-degree arson and two counts of second-degree killing or cruelty to animals, in exchange for a sentence of between 35 and 60 years in prison.

Snyder was charged with premeditated murder and arson. A conviction premeditated murder carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole, which she avoids under the agreement.

According to the Attorney General, Snyder killed the victim and the two dogs on November 22, 2021, by setting fire to his Mason County home while he slept.

Messages sent by Snyder via text message and Facebook indicate that the two had gotten into an argument and that Snyder planned to steal the man’s truck and money and burn down his house.

It appears that she did just that. After setting the fire, Snyder fled to the east of the state in the victim’s truck and was arrested at Detroit Metro Airport.

Dana Nessel’s team attributes justice to the thorough investigation by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police fire investigators.

“This agreement ensures that Ms. Snyder will face significant consequences for her unconscionable crimes,” Nessel said in a statement“I commend the diligent efforts of the Michigan State Police and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victim, his family and his beloved pets.”