A Florida mother, Esther Thelus, is currently facing murder and attempted murder charges following a devastating incident where she set herself and her two young children on fire. The tragic event took place at a home in the 7000 block of Hiawassee Oaks Drive in Orlando on August 26. Authorities from the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a fire involving Thelus, her 8-month-old son Davinci Joseph, and her 2-year-old boy. Thelus sustained burns to over half of her body, while Davinci suffered burns covering 80 to 90% of his body. The 2-year-old child sustained minor burns in the ordeal.
Emergency responders rushed all three victims to a hospital, where the 8-month-old baby had to be resuscitated en route. Despite the doctors' grim prognosis, the baby valiantly fought for two months before tragically succumbing to his injuries on October 25.
Investigations revealed that Thelus had purchased a lighter, gas can, and gasoline from a nearby 7-Eleven gas station just moments before the incident unfolded. Earlier that day, Thelus had left her 2-year-old child with a man she claimed was the father, stating that she and Davinci were relocating to Ft. Lauderdale and expressing her unwillingness to care for the older child due to feelings of "humiliation." However, the man allegedly refused to care for the child until a DNA test confirmed paternity.
The chilling turn of events transpired when Thelus returned from the gas station, gathered her two children, and went outside as recounted by her roommate. The roommate's daughter, upon taking out the garbage, was confronted with the harrowing sight of the children engulfed in flames.
Esther Thelus is scheduled for a court hearing on November 12 as the investigation into the tragedy continues to unravel the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking act. The local community remains deeply affected by the shocking and incomprehensible nature of the incident.
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