A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his wife, setting their house on fire, and endangering their toddler son, in a case authorities say was driven by jealousy stemming from an open marriage agreement.
George Dodson, 26, a former U.S. Navy member, admitted in court to killing his 23-year-old wife, Shelby Dodson, in July 2022. According to the state attorney’s office, he also pleaded guilty to arson and risk of injury to a minor, related to the presence of their 13-month-old son in the home during the incident.
The Deadly Incident
Police and firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the Dodsons’ New London residence on July 20, 2022. Inside the burning home, first responders found Shelby Dodson deceased, with severe head and torso trauma. She had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer before the fire was started.
Their toddler son was found alive in his crib and was safely removed from the home.
At the scene, George Dodson confessed to paramedics, saying:
“I did this, I killed her.”
He repeated the confession after being read his Miranda rights, according to a police report obtained by CT Insider.
Jealousy Over Open Marriage
The case took a disturbing turn when Dodson revealed the motive behind the crime. As per the police report, he and Shelby had agreed to open their marriage, but he became emotionally unstable when she formed a deeper connection with another man.
“We opened up our relationship, and she found another man she loved more, and I could not stand the thought of it, so I killed her,” Dodson reportedly told police.
Dodson also attempted to kill himself and his son after murdering his wife. He slashed his throat, but the injuries were not fatal. Fortunately, his son was unharmed.
Legal Outcome
Dodson entered a guilty plea on February 19 to the following charges:
- Murder
- First-degree arson
- Risk of injury to a minor
He was sentenced to 50 years in prison this week, ending a high-profile case that stunned the community and left a child without his parents.
Community and Family Impact
The brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of a young child deeply shook the New London community. Shelby Dodson was described by friends and family as a caring mother and devoted partner, whose life was tragically cut short by a relationship turned violent.
Authorities have not disclosed who currently has custody of the couple’s child.