An elderly man in Broward County, Florida, was arrested after he allegedly set a car on fire while a woman was inside. The victim, according to the police, had been in a relationship with a man for 42 years and had recently ended their romantic involvement.
As reported by CBS News, citing the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Friday, July 3. At the time, 84-year-old Franklin Davis had parked outside a 7-Eleven on Northwest 9th Avenue in Oakland Park.
Alongside the elderly man was a woman, whose identity has not been revealed. She had been in a relationship with Franklin for about 42 years, WPLG reported.
The decades-long romance, however, had come to an end, as the woman in question decided to cut ties with Davis. He didn’t take it so well, to say the least.
Setting Car on Fire
As reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the couple had spent the day together even before arriving at the 7-Eleven. They had lived together, and it appears as if the split-up had occurred before the traumatic, fiery day occurred.
The victim told the authorities a heated argument inside the vehicle followed, and Davis produced a plastic bottle containing gasoline. He then proceeded to pour it all over the car, the BCSO said.
The woman, who was sitting in the rear passenger seat, saw Davis pour the flammable liquid all over the dashboard and the vehicle’s front seat. Shortly after, the man, who was drunk at the time, used a lighter to ignite the fire.
Third-Degree Burns
Both Davis and the unnamed woman suffered serious burns. The victim, as per the authorities, sustained third-degree burns to her left leg.
Meanwhile, Davis burned himself in the hands and on the face. Those burns are noticeable in his BCSO mugshot, as the skin shows evident and recent trauma.
Reportedly, both of them ended up being transported to Broward General Hospital. However, given how serious their burn injuries were, they ended up being transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Arrested and Charged
Shortly after receiving treatment, Davis was placed under arrest. The victim talked with the police and told them what had occurred, and according to a BCSO report, video surveillance footage aligned with her claims.
Franklin Davis is charged with premeditated attempted murder, arson causing bodily harm, and criminal attempt, solicit, or conspiring to commit a capital felony. Both the attempted murder and arson charges carry a maximum 30-year sentence each, meaning that Davis would most definitely spend the rest of his life in prison.
Currently, Davis is being held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.