An 84-year-old Florida man is accused of trying to burn his longtime partner alive after she ended their 42-year relationship, leaving both of them badly injured and his own face visibly burned.
Franklin Davis and the woman had recently split when they got into an argument Friday while sitting inside a vehicle parked outside a 7-Eleven in Oakland Park, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said Davis had been drinking when he suddenly pulled out a bottle filled with gasoline, poured it across the dashboard and front seats, and set the inside of the vehicle on fire while they were both still inside, CBS News reported.
The woman later told investigators she believed Davis intended to “burn her up” in the car. She managed to escape but suffered third-degree burns to her left leg.
Davis was also injured in the blaze, suffering burns to his hands and face. The damage was clearly visible in his mugshot, which showed severe burns across his face.
Both Davis and his former partner were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
The fire left behind extensive damage in the 7-Eleven parking lot. WPLG reported that the pavement remained badly charred and nearby signs had partially melted from the intense heat.
Davis appeared in court Monday in a wheelchair with bandages covering his left ear and right hand, according to footage from the hearing.
He has been charged with premeditated attempted murder, arson causing bodily harm, and criminal attempt, solicitation and conspiracy to commit a capital felony.
A judge denied Davis bond, and he remains held at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale.
