A woman has been charged with first-degree murder for intentionally starting a fire earlier in August that injured one of her children and killed another, the Orange County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday.
Investigators report that Esther Thelus, 26, was captured on surveillance video purchasing materials for the act.
Deputies said Thelus was seen entering a 7-Eleven store on Aug. 26, carrying a clear plastic jug, which raised suspicions from store clerk Marie Jean.
In an interview, Jean recounted the interaction with Thelus, describing the unease she felt as Thelus tried to put gasoline in the water bottle. Another customer even offered to help her by providing a proper gas container, unaware of what was to follow.
Investigators say Thelus had earlier attempted to leave her 2-year-old son with his alleged father in hopes of relocating to Fort Lauderdale.
However, the man and his mother requested a DNA test to confirm paternity, and after some time, the man's mother returned the boy to Thelus.
Shortly afterward, Thelus went to the store, purchased gasoline, and returned home. Deputies say she doused herself and her two children—the 2-year-old and her infant son—in gasoline before igniting the flames.
A neighbor, Thelus’ roommate, later asked her why she had committed the act. Deputies said Thelus responded that it was due to "too much humiliation."
The infant, who suffered burns on 80% of his body, died nearly two months later from his injuries.
Jean, the store clerk, shared her distress over the event, saying she wished she could have intervened.
"I kind of have PTSD because I feel bad, and it happened in my store," she said. "Everything was provided from my store."
Thelus is still in the hospital and now faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
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