Man breaks into home, douses woman in gas and sets her on fire, NC sheriff says

A woman suffered burns over two-thirds of her body after a home intruder set her on fire, then fled the scene, according to investigators in eastern North Carolina.

It happened Saturday at a single-family home near Roseboro, Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said in an April 12 news release. The incident is linked to a domestic dispute, he said.

“At approximately 10 p.m., 911 received a call regarding a structure fire and an injured female at a 719 N. Pine St,” Thornton said.

“Deputies and firefighters arrived on scene and identified a female victim ... suffering from burns to approximately 2/3 of her body. The victim stated that a male, by the name of Franklin Faircloth, had forced his way into her home and doused her in gasoline, then set her on fire.”

The woman, identified as 36-year-old Courtney Witschger, was taken to a trauma center for treatment, Thornton said.

Faircloth, who is 29 and homeless, fled the home on a bicycle and was captured Monday at an undisclosed location.

He is charged with: Felony first degree arson; felony attempted murder; felony first degree burglary; felony assault causing serious bodily injury, and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, officials said.

Roseboro is about a 65-mile drive south from downtown Raleigh.

This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 5:13 AM with the headline "Man breaks into home, douses woman in gas and sets her on fire, NC sheriff says."