Man charged with attempted murder and torture for allegedly setting wife on fire
Signs read Justice for Sheena outside the Tulare County Courthouse in Porterville on Tuesday afternoon.
Dozens of loved ones, including friends, family and Sheena's stepchildren, showed up in support.
She is currently in a medically induced coma after suffering severe burns to her body.
The Tulare County Sheriff's office arrested her husband, Sean Hofmann.
He's been charged with attempted murder and torture.
"It's been a lot mentally physically, emotionally. Sheena is my friend. She has been my friend for years. Sean is my friend. He has been my friend for years and I am just in disbelief about this whole thing happening," says Lisa Flowers, Sheena's Friend.
In court on Tuesday, Hofmann's public defender entered a not guilty plea.
The tragedy is something the tight-knit family is trying to make sense of.
Hoffman's child tells Action News they considered Sheena a mother and although the couple had disagreements it was never to this extent.
"I just hope the whole truth comes out, hopefully my dad didn't, but I am not going to say he didn't do it, because none of us really know, so I just hope the truth comes out," expresses Sean's Daughter.
"If it turns out that he did this then I hope justice is served, but Sheena is a victim, the kids are a victim, everyone is a victim in this," continues Lisa.
Sheena is in critical condition at a hospital in Bakersfield.
The road to recovery will be a long one.
"Sheena is going to be scarred for the rest of her life, everyday she looks in the mirror she is going to see those scars and she is going to carry that with her. There is no getting over this," mentions Lisa.
This is not Hoffman's first run-in with the law, he was out on bail for burglary charges in 2024.
He will be back in court on October 23.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
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