Lawyers for man who allegedly set fire to Priceville woman seek mental evaluation

MORGAN COUNTY, Alabama (WHNT) — Lawyers for a Hillsboro man suspected of setting fire to a Priceville woman have asked Morgan County courts to order a mental evaluation of the man.

Marquise Wayns, 22, of Hillsboro was arrested Jan. 12 after apparently dozing a Priceville woman in gasoline and setting her on fire.

Priceville Police Department (PPD) officers responded to the 3000 block of North Bethel Road on Jan. 10 for a domestic disturbance. When authorities arrived, they found a 19-year-old woman with severe burns to her face and upper torso. This woman was taken to a burn treatment center.

Court documents show the woman, described as Wayns’ ex-girlfriend, was lured to the North Bethel Road residence under false pretences. Upon arrival, documents indicate Wayns appeared and poured gasoline over his head and body, then set him on fire.

His defense has now asked the courts to consider ordering a mental evaluation as Wayns seeks to plead not guilty due to mental illness or defect.

According to court records, Wayns claims he has a long-term mental health condition that affects his perception of events and his competence.

Waynes is charged with attempted murder and his bond is set at $200,000. He is being held in Morgan County Jail.