Mother Charged with Murder After Setting Herself and Children on Fire in Florida

A 27-year-old woman is facing murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly setting herself and her two young children on fire in Orange County, Florida.

On August 26th, emergency responders were called to a residence on Hiawassee Oaks Drive where they found Esther Thelus with severe burns. Her 8-month-old son, Davinci Joseph, also suffered severe burns and tragically succumbed to his injuries on October 25th. Her 2-year-old son sustained minor burns and is expected to recover.

According to an arrest warrant, the incident stemmed from a custody dispute involving her 2-year-old son. Thelus reportedly attempted to relinquish custody of the child to his father, but encountered resistance from the father and his mother. Feeling humiliated by the situation, Thelus allegedly returned to her residence, poured a flammable liquid on herself and her children, and ignited them.

A witness, Thelus’s roommate, stated that she heard someone yelling, “She’s killing the kids! They are all on fire!”

Investigators recovered a gas can, lighter, cellphone, and towel from the scene. Thelus is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. She remains hospitalized at this time.