A mum was rushed to hospital and placed in a medically induced coma after authorities allege she was doused in gasoline and then set her on fire.
Tulare County sheriff's deputies were called to a home in Porterville around 5:30 p.m. local time on Friday, October 10. They found a woman suffering from severe burns to her face, arms, and torso. She was airlifted to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital's burn unit where she remains in stable condition but faces a long road to recovery.
Sean Hoffman, 42, is accused of intentionally dousing her with a highly flammable liquid and setting her on fire, according to KFSN. He was arrested at the scene.
The victim has since been identified as Sean's wife, Sheena, in a GoFundMe started by her son. A message on the page by Post reads: "Hopefully we raise enough to help with my moms bills until she can fully recover," calling it a "horrific domestic violence incident."
"My mum is currently in Bakersfield memorial hospital in the burn unit in intensive care," he added.
He also spoke to KSEE and told the outlet that his mother had been placed in a medically induced coma and suffered burns on 25% of her body.
A Tulare County Sherrif's Office spokesperson said: "When they arrived, Deputies found a woman with severe burns to her face, arms and torso. Through their investigation, Deputies learned 42-year-old Sean Hofmann had intentionally poured a highly flammable accelerant on or near the victim, catching her on fire.
"The victim was flown to a nearby hospital, where she is in stable condition. Hofmann was arrested without incident.
"Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Javier Montoya, with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559)733-6218."
The Tulare County District Attorney's Office said Hofmann is charged with attempted murder, as well as torture, mayhem, arson causing great bodily injury, and domestic violence. Added to the charges are enhancements with special allegations that "the crimes were violent, caused injury, incorporated the use of a deadly weapon and were allegedly committed while on bail."