Spokane County man gets 10 years for setting ex-girlfriend’s home on fire as she slept

A Spokane County man who set his ex-girlfriend’s home on fire as she slept inside last May was sentenced Wednesday to serve 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to the attack.

David E. Weimer, 56, faced his ex-girlfriend Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to attempted first-degree assault, first-degree arson and harassment/threats to kill for frightening messages he sent her before the blaze.

Weimer’s ex-girlfriend said she was reluctant to speak publicly about the consequences of the May 7 attack at her home in the 16000 block of South Sherman Road.

“I’m not the same person,” she said. “It took away my ability to trust people or feel safe. The thing that bothers me the most was the intention of this crime, which was to end my life.”

Spokane County Sheriff’s investigators said last May that the woman had recently broken up with Weimer, who had no prior criminal record. But Weimer then began sending threatening texts and emails.

He arrived at the victim’s home at about 11:30 p.m. on May 7 and set four separate fires, including at both doors and two areas along the exterior walls.

A loud boom awoke the woman, who was able to escape the flames and call 911. Deputies searched the area and found new match cartons, butane fuel containers, cigarettes, a bottle of whiskey, soda bottles and two gas containers, according to a previous news release.

Weimer was arrested the next day by Cheney Police and Deputy U.S. Marshals.

“I opened my life and my family to him. He betrayed me with lies … and ultimately tried to kill me when I slept in my bed,” the victim told Superior Court Judge Charnelle Bjelkengren. “I think there is a darkness inside him. I’m afraid of what he is capable of doing.”

Spokane County prosecutors initially charged Weimer with attempted first-degree murder. However, Deputy Spokane County Prosecutor Richard Whaley and Deputy Public Defender Brooke Foley agreed to allow Weimer to plead guilty to attempted first-degree assault as part of a negotiated settlement.

“I hope I someday will be free of the fear of that night,” the victim said. “But he needs to be incarcerated so I can continue to recover from his actions.”

Judge Bjelkengren agreed with the recommended sentence of 10 years and ordered Weimer to have no contact with the victim for the rest of his life.

“My heart aches in sorrow and remorse,” Weimer said in court. “I’m so sorry for what I’ve done. I do hope someday that you will be able to forgive me.”