ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida woman faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder after authorities say she set fire to her residence resulting in severe injuries to one child and the death of another. The shocking incident, which unfolded in August, has left the community grappling with the horrific details revealed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, 26-year-old Esther Thelus was observed on security footage acquiring materials used to start the fatal blaze. Surveillance cameras captured Thelus entering a local 7-Eleven, with her actions inside the store leading to alarming observations by employees.
7-Eleven clerk Marie Jean described a troubling encounter with Thelus, who attempted to fill a water bottle with gasoline. Jean’s discomfort escalated as Thelus struggled with the container, prompting another patron to offer her a more suitable gasoline can, unaware of her intentions. The interactions in the store raised suspicions but tragically, the motives were not clear until after the devastating events unfolded.
Prior to the incident, Thelus reportedly tried to leave her 2-year-old son with a man she claimed was his father as part of her plans to move to Fort Lauderdale. The paternity of the child came into question, leading to the man’s mother returning the boy after requesting a DNA test.
Returning from the store with gasoline, Thelus doused herself and her two children, a 2-year-old and an infant, and set them alight. The tragedy culminated in severe injuries for both children. Despite efforts to save them, the infant succumbed to burns covering 80% of his body nearly two months later.
In an attempt to understand the reasoning behind such a drastic action, a roommate of Thelus inquired why she committed the fatal act. Thelus cited “too much humiliation” as her motive, an explanation that has since puzzled investigators and community members alike.
The distressing event has also had a profound impact on Jean, the clerk who interacted with Thelus before the tragedy. Haunted by the events, Jean expressed her ongoing trauma and regret. “I kind of have PTSD because I feel bad, and it happened in my store,” she reflected. “Everything was provided from my store.”
Currently, Thelus remains hospitalized and faces serious charges as the case continues to develop. The community and local authorities are left to piece together the circumstances that led to such a horrifying outcome, hoping for justice and healing for the surviving child and all affected.