An 84-year-old Florida man sustained facial burns after allegedly attempting to set his ex-girlfriend on fire following the end of their 42-year relationship, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred Friday in a 7-Eleven parking lot in Oakland Park.
The suspect, Franklin Davis, and the woman had recently ended their long-term relationship when they began arguing while parked in the lot. Police reported that Davis, who had been drinking, produced a bottle filled with gasoline, doused the dashboard and seats, and ignited it while both were inside the vehicle.
Davis's ex-girlfriend told investigators she believed Davis intended to "burn her up" inside the car before she was able to escape. She suffered third-degree burns to her left leg, while Davis sustained burns to his hands and face, which were visible in his mugshot. Both individuals received treatment at local hospitals.
The parking lot showed signs of the blaze, with charred remnants and melted nearby signs. Davis appeared in court on Monday in a wheelchair, with bandages on his left ear and right hand. He faces charges of premeditated attempted murder, arson causing bodily harm, and criminal attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy to commit a capital felony. A judge denied his bond, and he remains in custody at the Broward County Main Jail.