Franklin Faircloth (Sampson County Sheriff’s Office).
A woman from North Carolina is in a critical condition after a horrifying attack by her boyfriend, who is accused of setting her ablaze. According to police and her family, the 36-year-old was covered in gasoline and ignited inside a locked house. Her arms, legs, chest, and back suffered severe burns in the brutal incident.
Authorities have charged 29-year-old Franklin Faircloth, a resident of Roseboro, with several crimes including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and committing a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. The attack took place on April 12, leaving the community in shock.
The victim, who remains unidentified at the request of her family, is currently receiving treatment at a trauma center with burns covering approximately two-thirds of her body. As reported by ABC affiliate WTVD, her family is gravely concerned about her chances of recovery. The Sampson County District Attorney’s Office has announced plans to escalate charges to first-degree murder if she succumbs to her injuries.
The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the victim’s identity, though her name is being withheld. Her sibling took to Facebook to express the family’s anguish, stating, “Someone tried to kill my sister last night. She was doused in gas, set on fire, and locked in a building.”
Police reports indicate that Faircloth allegedly forced his way into the victim’s home, covered her in gasoline, and set her on fire before escaping on a bicycle. He is also accused of setting fire to her residence, compounding the severity of his alleged crimes.
The victim told police that Faircloth allegedly “forced his way into her home and doused her in gasoline, then set her on fire,” before fleeing on a bicycle. He also allegedly set the victim’s home on fire.
“The defendant unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did maliciously burn the dwelling house inhabited by [the victim],” an arrest warrant says. “At the time of the burning, [the victim] was in the dwelling house.”
The warrant alleges that Faircloth set “both arms, legs, chest, and back” of the victim on fire. He was arrested on April 13 and appeared in court Thursday in Sampson County, where he was denied bond.
“We have also experienced such a roller coaster of emotions,” the sister said on Facebook. “We were in court when her attacker was denied bond. That alone has given us so much comfort. We’ve spent so much time in the hospital I struggle to remember what day it is.”
Numerous friends and relatives have been posting messages showing support for the victim in the wake of what happened. One person wrote, “Babygirl keep fighting and come home to us!!!”
Another person said, “I just can’t get [the victim] off of my mind. Just thinking about what she had to endure, hurts my heart. I met her through my job … She has always been so sweet and respectful to me. Please, pray for her.”
Faircloth is due to appear in court again on May 8.
