Judge Hands Down 18-Year-Sentence To Carol Stream Man Who Set Fire To Home He Shared With Estranged Wife

CAROL STREAM, IL — A Carol Stream man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for setting fire to a home he shared with his estranged wife in 2025. The fire ignited a large explosion and damaged nearby homes.

Eric Neuman, 52, of the 700 block of Hemlock Lane, pleaded guilty to felony aggravated arson Monday in connection with the Aug. 23 incident.

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Carol Stream Police got a call around 4:23 a.m. for a report of a fire at the Hemlock Avenue home that Neuman's estranged wife had "recently vacated," a news release said.

Police say Neuman put six containers, filled with a total of 40 gallons of gasoline, throughout the home. He also put two filled propane tanks inside a rental car that he parked in the home's attached garage before tossing a lit flare into the garage.

Neuman fled the scene. He was arrested around 10:30 a.m. in Mahonet, following a police chase that started in Bloomington/Morton.

An investigation led police to find incriminating texts Neuman had sent to his estranged wife on Aug. 2.

In one of the texts, Neuman said, "That morning, I'll remove gas lines from the oven and dryer, after flooding the house with 15 gallons of gasoline. I'lll also remove any fire restriction devices on said gas lines. I'll turn the fireplace gas valve on full tilt and then exit the house. It takes an oxygen to natural gas ratio of 5 to 15 percent to cause an explosion. When I finally ignite the trail of gasoline that leads to the backyard, I'll sure I'll have..."

In a statement, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "In an abhorrent case of domestic violence, Eric Neuman intentionally set fire to his residence in the early morning hours while his community was asleep, endangering the lives of countless residents, neighbors and the lives of our first respondents answering the call."

Berlin added, "We are all very thankful that no innocent members of the community were injured, or worse, as a reult of Mr. Neuman's actions. Domestic violence remains a top priority of my office, and we will remain committed to holding individuals who choose violence accountable for their actions."