A man in Victoria, Australia, stands trial for allegedly setting a neighbor on fire amidst a noise dispute. On February 25, Michael Gauci, 45, faced the Supreme Court, where he is charged with attempted murder and other serious offenses after an incident that left Sharie Gray, 34, with severe burns covering 70% of her body.
The events unfolded on December 28, 2022, early in the morning. Reports suggest that after Gray and her friends gathered for a night of loud music and drinking, Gauci’s wife complained about the noise. After some exchanges of words, which escalated tensions, Gray and her friends left to go swimming.
Upon their return, surveillance cameras captured Gauci retrieving a blowtorch from his kitchen. His wife’s actions are under scrutiny as she allegedly cut the power to the CCTV system shortly thereafter. The court heard that Gauci called out to Gray, asking her to come outside, where an argument ensued. He is accused of spraying a flammable liquid onto Gray before igniting it with the blowtorch, resulting in her suffering fiery wounds that were described as “acute and life-threatening.”
Crown prosecutor Angela Moran stated that the horrific nature of the injuries has necessitated ongoing medical treatment for Gray, who continues to remain hospitalized.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Gauci is also facing charges for intentionally causing serious injury and reckless conduct that endangered others injured while trying to assist Gray. Following the incident, Gauci went to a local police station, where officers discovered incriminating evidence, including the blowtorch and flammable substances at his home.
Gauci’s defense attorney, John Korn, argues that his client acted in self-defense and did not mean to harm Gray, claiming he believed the liquid was harmless. Additionally, he contends that Gauci did not wield the blowtorch during the encounter, but rather a rifle.
As the trial progresses, the jury will deliberate whether Gauci acted with the intent to murder or merely to cause serious injury. Gauci maintains his innocence, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. The proceedings are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case develops.
