A mother in Florida is confronting serious charges of murder and attempted murder following an incident where she reportedly ignited herself and her two young children, aged 2 years and 8 months.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that although the 2-year-old survived, the youngest child tragically passed away approximately two months following the incident.
Authorities arrived at the scene of a fire involving a 26-year-old woman, an 8-month-old infant, and a 2-year-old child at a residence around 6:30 p.m. on August 26 in the 7000 block of Hiawassee Oaks Drive in Orlando. Thelus sustained burns affecting more than half of her body, while Davinci suffered burns that encompassed 80 to 90% of his body, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
A 2-year-old sustained minor burns. Emergency responders swiftly transported all three individuals to a medical facility. During the journey, emergency personnel worked to revive the infant. Medical professionals indicated that the child’s chances of survival were slim, yet he battled for two months before passing away on October 25, according to police reports.
According to authorities, Thelus has been intubated by doctors and is currently hospitalized. The toddler is anticipated to heal completely.
Investigators found that Thelus purchased a lighter, a gas can, and gasoline at a local 7-Eleven shortly before igniting the fire. Earlier today, Thelus left the 2-year-old with the individual she identified as the father.
She informed him that she and Davinci were relocating to Ft. Lauderdale and expressed her desire to stop caring for the older child, citing feelings of “humiliation.” Nonetheless, the purported father declined to take responsibility for the child until a DNA test confirmed the boy’s paternity.
Upon returning from the gas station, Thelus collected the two children and stepped outside, as reported by her roommate to the detectives. As the roommate’s daughter stepped outside to dispose of some trash, she was met with a shocking scene.
Residents employed towels to extinguish the fire. Thelus’ roommate inquired about her reasoning behind this action.
The gas station clerk who sold her the gas can and gasoline shared insights with the Orlando NBC affiliate WESH.
Thelus is set to appear in court on November 12.