NEW LONDON, CT – A Connecticut man received a 50-year prison sentence for the murder of his wife and subsequent arson of their home, a gruesome crime stemming from tension over their open marriage agreement.

George Dodson, 26, admitted to killing his 23-year-old wife, Shelby, in July 2022. Dodson, who once served in the U.S. Navy, entered a guilty plea to charges of murder, arson, and putting their young son in harm’s way, according to the state’s attorney’s office.

The harrowing events unfolded after Dodson confessed to emergency responders at the scene, stating, “I did this, I killed her,” a declaration he reiterated after being informed of his legal rights.

Investigations revealed Dodson’s crime was triggered by jealousy when Shelby developed feelings for another man within the context of their open marriage.

New London police responded to the fire on July 20, 2022, and extinguished the flames at the couple’s residence. Inside, authorities discovered Shelby Dodson with severe injuries. Their 13-month-old son, present in the home at the time, was rescued unharmed from his crib amid the chaos of the blaze.

Dodson later disclosed his intentions to take his own life and harm his family, having attacked Shelby with a hammer and subsequently attempting to injure himself by cutting his throat. Nevertheless, his self-inflicted wounds were not life-threatening.

In February, during a court session, Dodson officially acknowledged his guilt to the charges, setting the stage for his sentencing. The court proceedings culminated on Wednesday with a judge imposing a half-century incarceration for the heinous offenses.

This case brought to light the tragic consequences that arose from a marital decision that spiraled swiftly out of control, ending in disaster. The community continues to grapple with the loss and the devastating impact on the young child left behind.