Thelus was seen on a security camera purchasing gasoline and a lighter on the same day of the incident. (Video capture)
Esther Thelusa 26-year-old woman Orlandofaces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder after allegedly starting a fire that killed her eight-month-old son and injured her two-year-old older son, according to police. Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The events occurred on August 26, when Thelus, allegedly motivated by a feeling of “humiliation,” used Gasoline to spray herself and her two children before setting them on fire in her residence located in Hiawassee Oak Drivein the west Orlando area, according to NBC Miami.
Authorities revealed that Thelus was seen on a store security camera 7-Eleven acquiring gasoline and a lighter on the same day of the incident. According to NBC MiamiThelus had expressed the intention of moving to Fort Lauderdale with his youngest son, while the two-year-old boy’s father and his mother, who had requested a test of ADN to confirm paternity, they refused to keep the child. After his father’s family returned the older boy, Thelus headed to the gas station and made the aforementioned purchases before returning home.
In an interview with the station WESH of NBCthe store employee combustible Marie Jean recounted the encounter with Thelus, who tried to fill a water container with gasoline, which generated suspicions among those present. Another customer even offered to help by giving him a suitable container to store gasoline, without being aware of the actual purpose of the purchase. Jean expressed that since that day he has experienced emotional aftereffects after the event, since all the material necessary for the fire was purchased at the store where he works, according to WESH.
Esther Thelus, of Orlando, faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly starting a fire that killed her eight-month-old son. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the police report indicate that, upon returning home, Thelus set his children on fire in the presence of his roommate and her daughter, who upon seeing the flames shouted: “They are all on fire!” Neighbors reacted quickly by using towels to put out the fire, while the two-year-old son was hospitalized with minor burns, and the eight-month-old baby suffered burns on his stomach. 80% of your body. Authorities said paramedics resuscitated the eight-month-old baby on the way to the hospital, where he died approximately two months later, on October 25, according to Law & Crime.
Investigators in the case explained that, when confronted, Thelus justified her behavior by claiming that she had been subjected to excessive “humiliation.” According to Law & Crimethe mother remains hospitalized with burns on more than 50% of her body and is awaiting a judgment scheduled for November 12. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges of first degree murder y attempted murderwhile the older child, who is expected to survive, was discharged shortly after receiving medical attention.
Other media such as The Miami Herald reported that Thelus remains in custody while he recovers from his injuries at a hospital local. Public records have not yet indicated the specific motives that led Thelus to commit the act, although authorities have corroborated that the use of Gasoline was intentional and that Thelus made the purchases of the materials in the gas station before returning to his residence. McClatchy Newsa media outlet that follows the case, reported that in order not to compromise the identity of the surviving son, the authorities have avoided disclosing the name of the minor. The next court appearance of Thelus was scheduled for November 12.
The fuel store employee reported that Thelus tried to fill a water container with gasoline. (Video capture)
An additional report from Orlando Sentinel specified that the Orange County Fire Rescue Department responded to the emergency at Thelus’ residence in the 7200 block of Hiawassee Oak Drive. The agency confirmed that the flames at the scene were caused by gasoline poured into the home, which resulted in a devastating fire that left the two minors seriously injured. The mother, who remains under medical treatment, was arrested and faces formal charges of first degree murder in connection with the death of his minor son, identified as Davinci Josepheight months.
