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Man gets 20 years for setting neighbor on fire

WASHINGTON – A D.C. man received a 20-year sentence Friday for setting a man on fire at a Southeast apartment building in June.

Shawn Lewis, 42, pleaded guilty in July to second-degree murder in the killing of Douglas Farley, 38.

Authorities say around 6:25 p.m. on June 28, Lewis went out on the back porch of his apartment building in the 1600 block of 21st Place, SE. He lit a piece of newspaper, threw ignitable liquid on Farley who was on the porch and then ignited the liquid with the paper.

Farley died July 3 at Washington Hospital Center. His death was the result of complications from thermal and inhalation injuries sustained by the flames, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

After Lewis serves his prison sentence, he will be placed on five years of supervised release.

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