PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend with a hot clothes iron, leaving her with severe burns over 60% of her body. The suspect, Burton L. Byrd, allegedly committed the assault fueled by suspicions of infidelity, authorities said.
The horrifying incident reportedly took place over four days in the couple’s apartment, where Byrd allegedly detained the woman, preventing her from seeking medical help. According to a police affidavit, Byrd eventually released the victim on the condition that she fabricate a story about the source of her injuries, threatening to harm her family if she disclosed the truth.
Pittsburgh police were alerted to the alleged domestic violence situation when they responded to a local hospital on Wednesday afternoon. The victim informed officers that the abuse began on Saturday, sparked by Byrd’s baseless accusations.
During questioning, the victim described a brutal sequence of events. Byrd allegedly forced her to disrobe and restrained her with shoelaces before repeatedly striking her with a belt and fists. Police noted visible bruising and damage to her eye, indicative of the physical assault.
The situation escalated when Byrd reportedly connected a clothes iron, which he used to inflict severe pain after believing it had reached sufficient heat. Despite the woman’s repeated denials of any wrongdoing, she ultimately confessed to an affair she hadn’t committed, hoping to end the violence, as per court documents.
Following the attack, Byrd allegedly attempted to care for her injuries with gauze but continued to refuse her pleas for professional medical attention. It wasn’t until much later that the victim was able to seek proper treatment, being transferred to a specialized burn unit where she is expected to remain hospitalized for around two weeks.
In connection with the incident, Byrd now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, witness intimidation, and false imprisonment. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has legal representation.
The case highlights the severe dangers faced by victims of domestic violence, often trapped in their situations due to threats and intimidation. The authorities continue to investigate, aiming to ensure justice is served while supporting the victim through her recovery.