Overview
- Jacob Thompson, 19, was allegedly doused with a liquid and set on fire on Oct. 13 while walking on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran, and passers-by put out the flames before he was hospitalised.
- Family statements say he has third-degree burns to about 32% of his body with severe airway damage, was placed in an induced coma, and remains in intensive care at Concord Hospital in Sydney.
- Police say the attack is believed to be connected to an ongoing feud between two local families, with court reporting alleging a suspect warned Thompson he would be burned.
- Aaron Valette, 19, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, and Mavis Chatfield, 45, is charged with affray; both were refused bail, and Valette is remanded until a Nov. 18 court date.
- The family reports relocating for safety and has launched a GoFundMe to support medical care, mental health needs, and living costs during Thompson’s long recovery.