42-year relationship ends in flames after Florida man allegedly douses car in gasoline with his ex inside

Franklin Davis, 84, is facing arson and attempted first-degree murder charges after he allegedly tried to blow up his former partner of 42 years at a convenience store in Broward County, Florida. According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Davis got into an argument while parked at a 7-Eleven on Northwest Ninth Avenue on July 3, and minutes later he allegedly left the car and set it ablaze.

CBS reports that the sheriff’s office was able to obtain surveillance footage showing the moments before Davis allegedly set the car on fire. In it, Davis can be seen entering the car, which also contained the woman, whose identity has been withheld. Davis then allegedly douses the dashboard and front seat with gasoline before igniting the vehicle just three seconds later.

The victim is still alive

The victim is believed to have broken up with Davis and was only meeting with him so she could retrieve her belongings. Prosecutors believe Davis premeditated his actions, which could result in a harsher sentence for the 84-year-old if he is found guilty.

The victim is currently still alive, albeit with third-degree burns to her left leg. She gave a statement saying Davis produced a plastic bottle containing gasoline and a lighter. That, prosecutors argue, helps support their claim that the attack was planned beforehand.

Because Davis ignited the car while they were both still inside, he also suffered visible burns and injuries to his face and hands. The victim told the Broward Sheriff’s Office that she believed it was his intention to “burn her up,” and it remains unclear whether he also intended to harm himself or whether that was simply the first sign that his alleged plan had not been fully thought through. 

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, first responders arrived quickly and prevented the situation from becoming even worse. The pair were first taken to Broward Health Medical Center, but after doctors determined their burns were too severe, they were transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital. The victim is reportedly in stable condition and continuing her recovery. No further information about her has been released in order to protect her identity.

Davis is currently facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, arson causing bodily harm, and criminal attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a capital felony. If convicted on the most serious charges, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The parking space where the incident occurred still bears black charred marks, and reporters have since flocked to the scene to show the public what remains of the crime scene. Davis eventually appeared before a Broward judge with his eyes and ears still covered in medical gauze just days after the incident.

He was denied bond

The preliminary hearing largely involved Davis’ attorney asking prosecutors and investigators not to interview her client without an attorney present. The judge ordered that Davis continue to be held at the Broward County Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale without bond.

His next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.