Susan Tomlinson

Michael E. Sloan Jr., 40, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson and aggravated unlawful restraint by Madison County State's Attorney's Office. Susan Tomlinson, who died around 2 p.m. Thursday from smoke inhalation in her Troy home, had a domestic dispute with Sloan before her death, officials say. Before killing Tomlinson, Sloan also zip-tied Tomlinson's daughter's wrists, poured gasoline on her, held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her, the state's attorney's office said. The daughter was able to get away and run to a neighbor's house to call police. Moments after police arrived, flames engulfed the home on the 500 block of Wood Thrush Street. “This was a senseless act of violence that shook the community,” said Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine in a statement. “Our office extends sympathy to the family as well as the witnesses, police officers and firefighters who were there as this tragedy unfolded. Thanks to their courage, bravery and great police work, our office can and will fight for justice for the victims.” Sloan's bond is set at $1 million.