Sampson County Man Accused of Girlfriend Arson Attack Denied Bond

Franklin Faircloth faces attempted murder and other charges after allegedly setting his girlfriend on fire.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a gasoline can lid, the metal surface reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty details of a violent crime.The charred remnants of a domestic violence attack expose the harsh realities of intimate partner abuse.Clinton Today

A 29-year-old Sampson County man named Franklin Faircloth has been denied bond after being accused of breaking into his girlfriend's home, dousing her with gasoline, and setting her on fire. Faircloth was arrested on Monday after a two-day search and is facing several charges including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, and first-degree burglary. The victim is currently recovering at a trauma center with severe burns, but her prognosis is reported as not good, and the district attorney has stated that Faircloth could face a first-degree murder charge if she does not survive.

Why it matters

This violent domestic attack has left the victim with life-threatening injuries and highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in the region. The case will likely draw significant public attention and raise awareness around support services and resources for victims of abuse.

The details

According to authorities, on Saturday night Faircloth broke into his girlfriend's home in Roseboro, North Carolina, poured gasoline on her, and then set her on fire. The victim suffered severe burns to her arms, legs, chest, and back. Faircloth fled the scene but was arrested two days later on Monday. He is now facing a slew of charges including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, assault inflicting serious bodily injury, and misdemeanor domestic violence.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday night, April 12, 2026.
  • Faircloth was arrested on Monday, April 14, 2026, after a two-day search.
  • Faircloth is expected back in court next month, May 2026.

The players

Franklin Faircloth

A 29-year-old Sampson County resident accused of breaking into his girlfriend's home, dousing her with gasoline, and setting her on fire.

The Victim

Faircloth's girlfriend, who suffered severe burns over much of her body and is currently recovering at a trauma center, though her prognosis is reported as not good.

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What they’re saying

“If the woman does not survive her injuries, Faircloth will face a first-degree murder charge.”

— The District Attorney

What’s next

Faircloth is expected back in court next month, where the district attorney will determine if the victim's condition warrants upgrading the charges to first-degree murder if she does not survive.

The takeaway

This horrific domestic violence case underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and resources to protect victims of abuse in the local community. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent such tragedies from occurring.