Franklin Faircloth is behind bars after Sampson County deputies say he broke into his girlfriend’s home in Roseboro, doused her in gasoline, and set her on fire.
ROSEBORO, N.C. — Sampson County deputies say a man forced his way into his girlfriend’s home, poured gasoline on her, and set her on fire — leaving her with life-threatening burns across most of her body.
Authorities say 29-year-old Franklin “Frankie” Paul Faircloth was arrested Monday, April 13, after a two-day manhunt that ended in the woods just miles from the scene.
According to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, crews responded around 10 p.m. Saturday, April 11, to what was initially called in as a structure fire on North Pine Street in Roseboro.
When deputies and firefighters arrived, they found a 36-year-old woman suffering from severe burns. Investigators say she had been doused in gasoline and set on fire inside her own home.
Even in that condition, officials say the woman was able to identify Faircloth as the person responsible — telling deputies he forced his way into the home before attacking her.
After the incident, authorities say Faircloth fled the area on a bicycle and disappeared into nearby woods.
Deputies eventually found him hiding about three miles from the victim’s home and took him into custody without incident.
He’s now facing multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, first-degree arson, and breaking and entering, along with other domestic violence-related offenses. Court records also show this is not his first assault-related case.
Faircloth is currently being held without bond.
The victim was rushed to receive treatment for burns covering roughly two-thirds of her body. Her name has not been released, and officials have not provided an update on her condition.
