Man Charged for Arson Attack on Estranged Wife's Home

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A 47-year-old Wisconsin man named Nicholas Grundman has been charged with attempted murder, arson, stalking, and other crimes after allegedly setting fire to his estranged wife's home while she was inside. Grundman's wife had filed for divorce in February after a year and a half of marriage, and she had told him to leave their home in January. Police say Grundman used gasoline to start the fire in the attached garage of his wife's home in Greenville, Wisconsin, in the early hours of March 19, but his wife was able to escape safely with her pets.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for victims of abuse, especially in the context of divorce proceedings. The alleged actions of Nicholas Grundman demonstrate the lengths some abusers will go to maintain control over their partners, even after separation. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of firearms for individuals with a history of violence.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Grundman's wife filed for divorce in February after their roughly 18-month marriage, citing Grundman's alcoholism and inability to maintain employment. After she told him to leave their home in January, she paid for him to stay at a hotel and then an Airbnb, but he continued to harass her with frequent calls and texts. On the night of the fire, Grundman's wife said he told her, "If I can't have you, no one is going to have you." Police found evidence of an accelerant at the scene and say Grundman later confessed to using gasoline to start the fire, though he denied trying to kill his wife.

• On January 1, Grundman's wife told him to leave their home after finding him unemployed and intoxicated.
• In February, Grundman's wife filed for divorce after about 18 months of marriage.
• Around midnight on March 19, a 911 call reported a fire at Grundman's wife's home in Greenville, Wisconsin.
• On March 31, police arrested Grundman at a construction site where he was working.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Grundman is currently being held on $1 million cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 14. Prosecutors will likely continue to build their case against him, and the judge will determine whether to grant him bail or keep him in custody as the legal proceedings move forward.