Attempted murder charge in self-immolation incident

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The victim did not require medical attention for injuries she suffered in the incident, according to police.

WEST HAWAII TODAY

A 27-year-old Honaunau man is facing attempted murder charges after he allegedly set himself afire and attempted to do the same to his ex-girlfriend Tuesday in South Kona.

Robert York was charged at 7 p.m. Thursday with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree arson and two counts of abuse of a family or household member, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

During an initial court appearance Friday in 3rd Circuit District Court, York requested a preliminary hearing, which was subsequently scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 22. His bail was maintained at $66,250.

Police initially arrested York on suspicion of abuse, terroristic threatening and arson. Detectives revised the charges after speaking with county prosecutors, according to police.

The charges stem from a reported incident early Tuesday at a home on Tobacco Road in Honaunau. York allegedly set fire to the front porch of his ex-girlfriend’s home, a 26-year-old, and then doused her and himself with a flammable liquid, according to police. He reportedly then attempted to set them both afire.

Police arrested York Wednesday when he was released from Kona Community Hospital, where he had been treated for his injuries, according to police.

The victim did not require medical attention for injuries she suffered in the incident, according to police.