Florida Woman Arrested After Husband Dies in Acid Attack During Domestic Dispute

Chuanying He

A Florida man has died days after suffering horrific injuries in an acid attack allegedly carried out by his wife inside their New Port Richey home, according to police.

The victim, identified as 53-year-old Robert Heyden, was found screaming and locked inside a bedroom on Aug. 21. New Port Richey police said he had been doused with a corrosive substance and was unable to escape because the door had been barricaded with a wooden bar and wire.

Responding officers heard Heyden shouting for help before breaking into the room and finding him severely burned. He was rushed to a Tampa medical facility but succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning.

Chuanying He, 50, was arrested Thursday at a home in the Briar Patch community in New Port Richey, shown above in a Google image from 2024, after admitting to pouring sulfuric acid on her husband, Robert Heyden, as he lay in bed, causing fatal injuries, police said

Authorities arrested 42-year-old Chuanying He, Heyden’s wife, in connection with the killing. Police said she admitted to trying to kill her husband. Court documents show the couple married in August 2024 but were in the middle of divorce proceedings at the time of the attack.

Investigators determined the assault was intentional, and He now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery resulting in serious bodily injury. She is being held without bond.

Police reports state that He called 911 herself after the attack, leading officers to the residence. Neighbors told investigators they were shocked by the violence, describing the pair as a quiet couple.

Authorities have not said if He has entered a plea or retained legal counsel. The case remains under investigation.