Chicago, IL: A man in Illinois, aged 41, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend’s mother. The incident occurred two years ago when he doused the 69-year-old woman and her house in gasoline, set the home ablaze, and witnessed her tragic death by fire.
Michael E. Sloan Jr. was sentenced to 50 years in a state correctional facility for the slaying of Susanne Tomlinson by Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Neil T. Schroeder on Monday, according to authorities.
In January, Sloan made an open plea agreement, pleading guilty to one count of first-degree murder in Susan Tomlinson’s death without a predetermined sentence. According to state law, Sloan will have to serve his entire prison sentence without the possibility of parole, so he won’t be eligible for release until he is 91 years old.
Prosecutors were adamant about seeking the harshest punishment for Sloan and maintained this stance during the legal process, including on Monday.
In a recent news release, Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Maricle, head of the Violent Crimes Unit for the State’s Attorney’s Office, informed the court that Sloan attempted to set his former girlfriend Courtney Tomlinson on fire, but she was able to get away. She claimed that Sloan then chose to harm her in a different manner, which he successfully did by setting Susanne Tomlinson on fire.
The Troy Police Department responding to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance at the duplex where Sloan resided with Courtney Tomlinson in a suburban area about four hours south of Chicago in September 2022.
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Before starting the fire, Sloan reportedly instructed Courtney to restrain herself with zip-ties on her wrists, poured gasoline over her, and threatened her with a knife, saying he would harm her.
Courtney managed to break free from her restraints and ran to a neighbor’s house, instructing them to call 911. Meanwhile, Sloan strolled over to Courtney’s mother’s house, which was just a few houses away from their duplex, while carrying the can of gasoline.
According to prosecutors, a fire broke out at Susanne’s home shortly after the police arrived, with her still inside. A fire and thick smoke rapidly consumed the house, making it difficult for emergency personnel to enter. Courtney Tomlinson reported seeing Sloan start the fire, alleging that he also tried to set himself ablaze.
Sloan was rescued by firefighters from the fire. He was taken to a hospital in the St. Louis area for medical care. He stayed there for a few weeks before being taken to jail.
An autopsy revealed that Susanne’s death was caused by smoke inhalation and burn injuries, according to the statement. When given an opportunity to speak in court, Sloan apparently expressed regret for his behavior.