A Melbourne woman who set fire to a Point Cook townhouse, resulting in the deaths of a young couple and their newborn baby, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The Crime & Investigation
Jenny Hayes, 47, was found guilty of arson causing death after she deliberately started a fire at a Totem Way property in December 2020. The blaze tragically killed 23-year-old Abdulrazak Duman, his 19-year-old partner Aisha Raji, and their three-week-old baby. The fire quickly engulfed the home, trapping the family inside.
Authorities say Hayes, who had been at the property earlier that night, set the fire as an act of revenge following an argument. Investigators discovered that flammable materials had been ignited in the townhouse, which accelerated the flames and left the victims with no chance of escape.
Court Sentencing & Reaction
During sentencing, the judge condemned Hayes’ reckless and destructive actions, acknowledging the grief and devastation felt by the victims’ families. Hayes, who pleaded guilty to the charges, showed little emotion in court as the sentence was handed down.
While prosecutors argued for a longer sentence, the judge took into account Hayes’ personal circumstances, mental health struggles, and guilty plea, ultimately imposing a 13-year prison term with a non-parole period of eight years.
Family members of the victims expressed their frustration and sorrow over the sentencing, stating that no punishment could ever bring back their loved ones. They also called for stronger penalties for arson-related deaths to ensure justice for families affected by similar crimes.
Community Impact & Legal Precedent
The case has raised broader discussions about fire-related crimes, sentencing guidelines, and victim support. Advocacy groups are calling for tougher consequences for reckless arsonists, emphasizing the devastating impact these crimes have on families and communities.
Jenny Hayes will serve her sentence in a Victorian prison, with strict conditions upon her release.
