The Story of Francine Hughes

Francine Hughes, a mother of four, set fire to her Michigan home in 1977, killing her ex-husband after enduring thirteen years of relentless abuse. The case gained national attention and became a pivotal moment in raising awareness about domestic violence and the legal challenges survivors face.

Research by Elizabeth Atwood. 

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Sources:

1. Boots, Anna, “The Burning Bed” Recalls the Case That..., The New Yorker, 2020

2. Francine Hughes Wilson, whose ‘burning bed’..., The Washington Post

3. Grimes, William, Francine Hughes Wilson, 69, ...,, The New York Times, 2017

4. White, Otis, Mrs. Hughes accused of affair, Lansing State Journal, 1977

5. McNulty, Faith Battered wife…(Excerpt from The Burning Bed), Edmonton Journal, 1981

6. Hughes, Mike, Nichols, Sue, The tale behind 'The Burning Bed' .., The San Bernardino County Sun, 1984 

7. Nixon, Mark, Former wife arrested in arson death, Lansing State Journal, 1977 

8. Woman arraigned for ex-husband's death, Lansing State Journal, 1977 

9. Heron, Kim,