Suspect arrested after North Carolina woman set on fire

Authorities say the woman suffered serious burns after a man forced his way into her home and set her on fire.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, melted plastic lighter against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a home arson attack.A violent attack on a North Carolina resident exposes the need for greater home security and protections against domestic violence.Roseboro Today

A suspect has been arrested after a North Carolina woman reported that a man had doused her with gasoline at her home and set her on fire, leaving her with serious burns over about two-thirds of her body. The woman was taken to a trauma center for treatment, and the suspect was located in a wooded area and taken into custody without incident.

Why it matters

This violent attack on a resident in her own home has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals from such horrific acts of violence.

The details

According to the Sampson County Sheriff's Office, firefighters and deputies were called to a structure fire on Saturday night in the town of Roseboro, where they found the woman with severe burns. The woman reported that a man had forced his way into her home, doused her with gasoline, and then set her on fire. The suspect then fled the scene on a bicycle.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday night.
  • The suspect was arrested on Monday.

The players

Sampson County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrest.

The victim

A North Carolina woman who suffered serious burns after being set on fire in her own home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and first-degree arson, and will face a judge to determine bail and further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the urgent need for improved home security measures, better mental health resources, and stronger laws to protect victims of domestic violence and arson attacks in order to prevent such senseless acts of cruelty from occurring in the future.