Man Sentenced to 40 Years After Bibb County Jury Convicts Him of Setting Girlfriend on Fire

MACON, Ga. — A Bibb County jury has convicted a man on multiple felony charges in connection with a brutal domestic violence attack in which he set his former girlfriend on fire, prosecutors said.

Christopher Ivry was found guilty April 29 of aggravated assault, aggravated battery and tampering with evidence stemming from a December 17, 2018, incident. He was sentenced to 40 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

According to evidence presented at trial, Ivry and the victim spent the morning together, including a trip to a local restaurant, before the victim later drove him to purchase gasoline. Investigators said an argument began during the trip and escalated after they returned to a residence.

During the altercation, Ivry poured gasoline on the victim and ignited her with a cigarette lighter. Authorities said the victim, severely burned, managed to get into her vehicle and drive herself to seek help.

Prosecutors said Ivry got into the passenger seat and told her she would “be alright,” while also attempting to convince her to tell authorities her injuries were self-inflicted. When she refused, Ivry exited the vehicle and called 911, falsely portraying himself as the victim and blaming her for the incident.

Investigators later determined Ivry attempted to interfere with the case by impersonating the victim through social media messages, urging that charges be dropped. Authorities said he also fled twice to avoid court proceedings before being apprehended.

During the trial, prosecutors said Ivry gave conflicting accounts of the incident, including claims that he had set himself on fire or that the victim’s injuries were accidental.

The victim testified throughout the trial, detailing the attack and the long-term impact it had on her life.

“This victim endured not only a horrific physical attack, but years of manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse designed to silence her and shield her attacker from accountability,” said District Attorney Anita Howard.

Officials said the sentence reflects the severity of the crime. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Ehoule and Assistant Deputy Chief District Attorney Jeremy Johnson.