Man Sentenced to Life for Wife's Murder, Stepdaughter's Injury
Roland James Griffiths, 41, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Melbourne's Supreme Court for the murder of his wife, Kylie Sheahan, and recklessly causing injury to his 16-year-old stepdaughter. The horrific incident occurred nearly four years prior, in March 2022.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
Griffiths poured petrol on Sheahan, 35, and set her alight. Sheahan, a mother of six, died four days later from burns covering 91 percent of her body. Her 16-year-old daughter sustained burns to over 50 percent of her body while attempting to assist her mother.
Leading up to the event, Griffiths had made threats to burn down their Albanvale home in Melbourne's north-west. During the incident, a heavily intoxicated Griffiths poured petrol from a jerry can onto Sheahan. Two stepdaughters reportedly pleaded with him not to ignite the fuel.
Griffiths reportedly stated, "I promise bub, I swear ... I won't do it," before igniting the petrol.
Flames subsequently spread to his 16-year-old stepdaughter and to Griffiths himself. Griffiths extinguished the fire on himself before attempting to assist his wife. Sheahan was later hosed down outside the home.
Children Present During the Fire
Seven children were present in the house at the time, including a 10-month-old and a two-year-old. Older siblings facilitated the rescue of the younger children before the house became fully engulfed in flames.
Statements and Legal Proceedings
Emergency services reported hearing Griffiths accuse Sheahan of being responsible for the fire. Sheahan initially provided a false statement to police, claiming Griffiths had attempted to set himself on fire and she was burned while trying to stop him.
Griffiths indicated his intention to plead guilty to murder and recklessly causing injury in February 2025, ahead of his scheduled trial.
Sentencing Details
Justice John Champion described the murder as a brutal act. He noted Griffiths' taunting of his victims and his victim-blaming of Sheahan as particularly repugnant.
Justice Champion clarified that Ms. Sheahan was blameless.
Griffiths was sentenced to life with a minimum of 32 years before parole eligibility. He has been in custody since his arrest in March 2022, serving over 1300 days.