Left: Beth Bakken. Right: The van Bakken allegedly set on fire with her boyfriend trapped inside near Bozeman, Montana (KBZK).

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a vehicle fire around 6:41 a.m. on Wednesday near 18 Bedivere Boulevard, located in the King Arthur Trailer Court west of Bozeman. Upon the arrival of firefighters, they discovered a white Dodge van engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the fire, they found the body of 44-year-old Robert Welch inside.

Authorities subsequently arrested 51-year-old Beth Bakken on suspicion of deliberate homicide and arson.

According to an arrest report obtained by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Welch was discovered in the rear passenger area of the van. An autopsy concluded that he succumbed to smoke inhalation, indicating he was alive when the fire started, allegedly set by Bakken.

An arrest report obtained by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle revealed firefighters found Welch in the rear passenger compartment of the van. An autopsy reportedly showed he died of smoke inhalation, meaning he was still alive when Bakken allegedly set the van ablaze.

Deputies later spotted Bakken running across the street about a half-mile from the scene. In an interview with detectives, she described an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with Welch, who she claimed was “physically abusive.” Cops said they have had several interactions with the couple.

Investigators also spoke with one of Bakken’s friends, who said she received a call shortly after the fire. Bakken reportedly told her about Welch, saying, “I lit his a— on fire. He’s a d—.”

Cellphone location data placed Bakken in the area at the time of the fire, police said.

The suspect remains at the Gallatin County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. She’s next slated to appear in court on Nov. 14.