BOZEMAN, MT – Authorities arrested a Bozeman woman Wednesday after she allegedly set fire to a van while her boyfriend was inside, killing him in the early morning blaze, officials said.

Firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were called to a report of a burning vehicle around 6:40 a.m. in the King Arthur Trailer Court, just west of the city. When emergency crews arrived, they discovered a white Dodge van engulfed in flames near 18 Bedivere Boulevard, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

After extinguishing the fire, first responders found the body of 44-year-old Robert Welch in the back of the van. Subsequent autopsy results indicated that Welch died of smoke inhalation, suggesting he was alive when the fire began, investigators reported.

Law enforcement officers launched an immediate search of the area. About half a mile from the scene, they apprehended Beth Bakken, 51, after she was spotted walking nearby. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office later charged her with deliberate homicide and arson.

During questioning, Bakken described a turbulent, on-and-off romantic relationship with Welch, alleging a history of physical abuse. The sheriff’s office reported that deputies had responded to multiple incidents involving the couple prior to Wednesday’s deadly encounter.

A friend of Bakken told investigators that she received a call shortly after the fire, during which Bakken made a statement indicating she was responsible for the blaze and referencing her relationship with Welch.

Investigators further corroborated Bakken’s presence near the scene using cellphone location data, which placed her at the trailer park at the time of the fire.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Bakken without incident. She remains in custody at the Gallatin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, jail records show.

Bakken is scheduled to appear before a judge on November 14 as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet released further details on what may have prompted the fatal incident.

Officials say the case remains under active investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.