CRIME
Man Pleads Guilty To Murdering Girlfriend’s Mother In Arson Fire She Escaped
Madison County State's Attorney
An Illinois man pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Monday after pouring gasoline on his girlfriend’s mother and lighting her house on fire, killing her, authorities said.
Michael E. Sloan Jr., 41, of Troy, appeared before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder in Circuit Court on Monday and entered his guilty plea, according to a statement from the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. He faces up to 50 years in prison.
“We intend to seek the full 50-year term,” said States Attorney Tom Haine. “This was an especially heinous and cruel crime.”
According to prosecutors, on Sept. 22, 2022, Sloane set fire to the home of 69-year-old Susanne Tomlinson on the 500 block of Wood Thrush Street in Troy. He doused Tomlinson with gasoline, along with the duplex.
He also threw gasoline onto Tomlinsons adult daughter, but she got away to call for help.
My boyfriend tried to kill me, but I got away, Courtney Tomlinson told KSDK. Sloan had been living with her off and on for nearly two years, she told the outlet.
I went to the gym that morning. He left as soon as I left, went filled up the gas can, and then when I came home about noon, that’s when it all started, Tomlinson said. I just asked him if he could give me the money he owed me.
She ran outside to get help, and a neighbor called police. Sloane went to her mother’s unlocked home and went inside.
Police quickly arrived, and, according to prosecutors, saw Sloan hold a cigarette lighter above his head and flick the lighter, resulting in a fireball. Sloan had yelled to police that he intended to kill everyone, prosecutors said.
Firefighters also responded to the scene, but were unable to reach Susanne Tomlinson in time due to heavy flames and smoke. She died of smoke inhalation and burn injuries. Her dog, Sydney, also died in the fire.
Sloane was rescued and treated at a hospital before being taken into custody.
I just lost my best friend, and I watched her die. I’m an only child. He took my soul out of my chest, Courtney Tomlinson told KSDK in 2022. I will get justice no matter what.
Sloane’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 26.
TMX contributed to this article.
