Waco Woman Testifies Ex-Boyfriend Tried to Set Her on Fire

Cheree Richardson says Dwayne Lawrence Clark doused her with lighter fluid and used bug spray as a makeshift flamethrower.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A Waco woman testified that her ex-boyfriend, Dwayne Lawrence Clark, doused her with lighter fluid and used an aerosol can of bug repellent as a makeshift flamethrower in an attempt to set her on fire in 2024. Cheree Richardson said the incident occurred after an argument over $40, and that Clark had previously threatened to cut her up and drag her remains out with the trash.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the extreme lengths some abusers will go to in order to harm their victims. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the need for stronger measures to protect victims from their abusers, even after they have served time in prison.

The details

According to Richardson's testimony, she and Clark were arguing over $40 when he went to get a pair of scissors, a cup, and a container of lighter fluid. Richardson said she grabbed her phone and ran out the front door, with Clark chasing her. He then doused her with lighter fluid, and when she took off her shirt and continued running, he used a can of bug spray as a makeshift flamethrower, creating a "big column of fire" just in front of her. Richardson was not burned, but said she still has nightmares about the incident.

  • The incident occurred in July 2024.
  • Clark called Richardson from jail in a recorded phone conversation after the incident.

The players

Cheree Richardson

A Waco woman who was the victim of the alleged attack by her ex-boyfriend, Dwayne Lawrence Clark.

Dwayne Lawrence Clark

The ex-boyfriend of Cheree Richardson who is on trial for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has a lengthy criminal history, including 10 felony convictions and 5 misdemeanor convictions.

Kristen Duron

One of the prosecutors in the case against Dwayne Lawrence Clark.

Chris Spendlove

One of the prosecutors in the case against Dwayne Lawrence Clark.

Jason P. Darling

The defense attorney for Dwayne Lawrence Clark.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing I thought was he is going to set this place on fire.”

— Cheree Richardson (kwtx.com)

“He was squirting lighter fluid on me like he was lighting a grill.”

— Cheree Richardson (kwtx.com)

“But you're not dead.”

— Dwayne Lawrence Clark (kwtx.com)

“I still have nightmares about being on fire. The fire was just inches away from my body.”

— Cheree Richardson (kwtx.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether to allow Dwayne Lawrence Clark to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims from their abusers, even after they have served time in prison. It also raises concerns about the challenges of keeping repeat offenders off the streets and the impact their actions can have on victims.