19-Year-Old Man Set on Fire amid Alleged ‘Ongoing Feud’ with Another Family: ‘Will Take a Lifetime to Heal’

A 19-year-old Australian man is recovering in the hospital after an alleged violent attack in which he was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire.

The victim, identified as Jacob Thompson, was reportedly approached by a man and two women while walking on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, around 6 p.m. on October 13, according to a news release from NSW Police. The man allegedly poured a liquid on Thompson and set him alight.

Passers-by rushed to extinguish the flames before emergency responders transported Thompson to the hospital. He sustained severe third-degree burns across much of his body and was placed in a medically induced coma due to the extent of his injuries, according to News.com.au, which cited a fundraising campaign for his medical care.

Police later returned to the same area following reports of a “public order incident.” Officers arrested three individuals at a nearby property — identified by News.com.au as Aaron Valette, 19, Mavis Chatfield, 45, and a 17-year-old girl whose name has not been released.

Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray — a charge relating to the use or threat of unlawful violence that causes others to fear for their safety. Chatfield was also charged with affray, while the teenage girl was released pending further investigation, according to NSW Police.

Both Valette and Chatfield were refused bail before their appearance at Bail Division Court 4 on October 14.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the court heard that Valette allegedly approached Thompson carrying a plastic bottle filled with a clear liquid, warning him, “If you come any closer, I will burn you.” Prosecutors said the attack stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two local families.

During a bail application, Valette’s Legal Aid lawyer described him as a “vulnerable Aboriginal man” and argued he did not pose a significant risk. Magistrate Fiona McCarron denied bail, and Valette remains in custody on remand until his next court appearance on November 18.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Thompson’s ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and relocation for safety reasons.

“Jacob was viciously attacked, doused in petrol, and set alight during a horrific, violent attack,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “Jacob sustained third-degree burns to over 32% of his body, including his face, torso, both arms, back, and legs.”

The campaign further explains that the incident was witnessed by Thompson’s immediate family and partner, causing deep psychological trauma. “Jacob now faces a long and painful journey of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and ultimately, the need to relocate to a safe environment for his treatment and the entire family’s health and well-being,” it states.

“On behalf of Jacob and his family, thank you for your support, your compassion, and your kindness during this unimaginably difficult time.”