Man sentenced to 26 years after setting fire that burned infant daughter

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- Branden Strayhorne, 20, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for intentionally starting a fire that caused second and third degree burns to his 5-month-old daughter and her grandmother.

Prosecutors say Strayhorne, of Ford Heights, went to his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Chicago Heights on Oct. 8, 2014 and attempted to gain entry, but the woman refused to let him in and called police. He fled but returned an hour later; prosecutors say he then broke a window, poured gasoline inside and ignited a fire.

Strayhorne's infant daughter and her grandmother, who also lived in the apartment, were seriously injured. Both have recovered, but the grandmother suffered burns to 30 percent of her body - including her lungs - and the infant had extensive facial and body burns.

Strayhorne pled guilty to two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated arson.