BOZEMAN, MT – A woman is facing murder and arson charges after authorities say she set fire to a van, killing a man trapped inside, in a quiet residential trailer court just west of Bozeman early Wednesday morning.
Emergency crews responded to a blaze reported at approximately 6:40 a.m. in the King Arthur Trailer Court, a neighborhood located off Bedivere Boulevard. When firefighters arrived, they discovered a white Dodge van engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the fire, responders found the body of 44-year-old Robert Welch in the rear of the vehicle.
According to law enforcement, Beth Bakken, 51, has been arrested and charged with deliberate homicide and arson in connection with the incident. Officials say an autopsy revealed Welch died from smoke inhalation, indicating he was still alive when the vehicle was set ablaze.
Investigators say Bakken and Welch had a turbulent romantic history, marked by repeated interactions with law enforcement. Bakken reportedly described her relationship with Welch as on-again, off-again, and alleged he had been physically abusive toward her.
Minutes after the fire, deputies reportedly observed Bakken fleeing the area on foot, less than a mile from the scene. She was taken into custody and subsequently interviewed by investigators.
Detectives also spoke with a friend of Bakken’s who recounted receiving a phone call from her shortly after the fire was set. During the call, Bakken allegedly admitted to igniting the van with Welch inside, using profane language to describe her actions and the victim.
Cellphone data obtained in the investigation reportedly placed Bakken at the location during the time the fire broke out, bolstering the case against her, authorities said.
Bakken is currently being held in the Gallatin County Detention Center in lieu of a $500,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 14.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. No additional injuries were reported.