A young man reportedly received a threatening message consisting of eight words before being soaked in gasoline and ignited. Jacob Thompson, aged 19, is currently undergoing medical care in a hospital as he sustained significant burns covering approximately 32% of his body during the alleged incident. The burns, classified as third-degree, are located on his face, chest, arms, back, and legs, occurring on October 13.
According to law enforcement, Aaron Valette, also 19, displayed a plastic bottle containing a transparent liquid before approaching Jacob, uttering the threat: “If you come any closer I’ll burn you.” Subsequently, Valette purportedly poured the liquid on Jacob before setting him on fire. Prompt intervention from onlookers helped extinguish the flames in Coonabarabran, located in New South Wales, Australia.
Jacob was later transported to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities suggest that the incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two families in the vicinity. Valette has been formally charged with causing severe bodily harm with intent and engaging in affray. Another individual, Mavis Chatfield, aged 45, has also been charged with affray and both have been denied bail.
In a statement to a local news outlet, The Daily Telegraph, Jacob’s family expressed deep trauma following the attack. They narrated the distressing experience, mentioning the challenges faced by Jacob, his mother, parents, grandparents, and siblings in the aftermath of the incident. Jacob is enduring severe pain and is receiving medication to alleviate symptoms.
The family indicated that Jacob was initially placed on life support and has shown gradual improvement, although he still encounters breathing difficulties. Despite the ordeal of the past weeks, Jacob remains positive and is working through the emotional toll of his injuries. He is currently under treatment at Concord Hospital, accompanied by his family, who have relocated from their previous residence due to safety concerns.
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has been initiated to support Jacob and his family. The campaign highlights the gravity of Jacob’s injuries, detailing the need for extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual relocation to a secure environment for ongoing treatment and the well-being of the entire family.