A Michigan woman has entered a plea of no contest to a series of grave charges including second-degree murder and arson, relating to a 2021 incident where she set a house ablaze, resulting in the death of a man and his two dogs, as reported by Audacy. Hope Snyder, aged 43 from Kincheloe, faces a substantial prison sentence of 35 to 60 years following her plea agreement with prosecutors which was detailed in a statement released by the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Office.
The fire, which investigators ultimately deemed intentional, was set on November 22, 2021, after Snyder and the victim, Jeffrey Grant, were involved in a conflict at his residence. A thorough examination of the evidence by the Mason County Sheriff's Office and state police arson officers concluded that the fire started in a closet underneath a set of stairs using an alcohol-based gel, and Snyder subsequently stole Grant's truck beginning a flight across the state. She was later arrested at Detroit Metro Airport as she was attempting to board a flight to Alaska, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
During the proceedings, Snyder's messages revealed her intentions, sending texts to friends that she was planning to steal Grant's truck and money. In one disturbing message, she boasted, as per Audacy, "But this fool don’t know me. I’ll burn this (expletive) to the ground right now," which a detective read aloud during court.
In the wake of this plea deal, which encapsulates the gravity of her actions, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel commended the tireless work carried out by law enforcement which brought forth this outcome stating, per the Michigan Department of Attorney General, "This plea agreement ensures Ms. Snyder will face significant consequences for her unconscionable crimes," affirming the tireless nature of the teams involved in the case and ensuring justice for the victim, his family, and his cherished pets. Snyder's sentencing is expected to take place on August 27 in the 51st Circuit Court in Mason County presided by Judge Susan Sniegowski, bringing the case to a close pending judicial review.
