Son pours lighter fluid on dad and tries to burn him alive during fight, VA cops say

A family argument turned potentially deadly when a man doused his father with suspected lighter fluid and tried to burn him alive, according to investigators in southwestern Virginia.

His plan was foiled when the victim took off running and managed to out pace his intoxicated son, the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

A 911 caller reported an “altercation” at about 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at a home in Stuart, about a 200-mile drive southwest from Richmond.

“When deputies arrived, they located Eric William Walker (28), outside of the residence. The preliminary investigation has revealed that Walker and his father got into a verbal argument that eventually escalated to a physical altercation,” the sheriff’s office said.

“That’s when Walker allegedly walked outside and retrieved a bottle of suspected lighter fluid. Walker then re-entered the home and poured the fluid on his father and attempted to ignite it.”

His father fled before the fluid could be ignited and took shelter at a neighboring home in the rural community, officials said.

“Walker gave chase and allegedly broke out a window, attempting to get to his father,” officials said.

That attempt failed, and Walker was arrested at the scene and is being held without bond. He has been charged with attempted murder, damaging property and public intoxication, officials said.

Details of what caused the dispute were not released.

This story was originally published November 8, 2024 at 10:07 AM with the headline "Son pours lighter fluid on dad and tries to burn him alive during fight, VA cops say."