A young person reportedly received a threatening message consisting of eight words before being soaked in gasoline and ignited. Jacob Thompson, 19, is currently undergoing medical care in a hospital after sustaining burns covering approximately 32% of his body from the purported assault. The incident occurred on October 13, resulting in severe third-degree burns to his face, torso, arms, back, and legs.
According to law enforcement, Aaron Valette, 19, displayed a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid to Jacob just before the attack. Allegedly, Valette warned Jacob by stating, “If you come any closer I’ll burn you.” Following this threat, Valette proceeded to drench Jacob in the liquid and set him on fire. Prompt intervention by bystanders managed to extinguish the flames after the incident in Coonabarabran, Australia.
Jacob was subsequently rushed to a medical facility for treatment. Police indicated that the assault was linked to an ongoing dispute between two local families.
Valette faces charges of intentionally causing serious harm to a person and engaging in a public disturbance. Mavis Chatfield, 45, has also been charged with participating in the disturbance, and both have been denied bail.
In a statement to a local news outlet, The Daily Telegraph, Jacob’s family expressed deep trauma resulting from the attack. They described the distress experienced by Jacob and the entire family who witnessed the incident firsthand.
Initially on life support, Jacob has shown slight improvements but continues to face breathing difficulties. Despite the challenges, Jacob remains optimistic and is coping with the emotional and physical toll of his injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at Concord Hospital, where his family remains by his side. Concerns for their safety have led the family to relocate from the town where the attack occurred.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support Jacob and his family during this challenging time. The fundraiser highlights the severity of Jacob’s injuries, his critical condition upon arrival at the hospital, and the long road to recovery ahead, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for ongoing treatment and overall family well-being.
