FLORIDA CITY, FL – A Florida man is facing several serious charges after allegedly setting a fire in an attempt to kill his girlfriend just a day after showering her with romantic gifts.
William Clements Jr., 73, has been detained without bail in Brevard County Jail, accused of setting a blaze in the home he shared with his girlfriend in an alleged attempt to end her life. Authorities report that the woman was taking an afternoon nap on April 4 when she woke to the smell of gasoline and the sight of flames blocking her bedroom door.
Witnesses noted Clements leaving the scene quickly on foot around the time of the fire. Emergency responders managed to free the woman and her dog by breaking through her bedroom window. She suffered severe burn injuries, with nearly 60% of her body affected, and was flown to a hospital for urgent medical care.
The woman, who remains unnamed for her protection, communicated to police her belief that Clements was responsible for the fire, referencing a prior disturbing comment he allegedly made about disfiguring rather than killing women.
The couple shared a volatile history marked by violence, including an incident in February involving zip ties and physical assault that resulted in a lost tooth, documented with photos by investigators.
Clements was apprehended near the scene soon after the incident. Fire officials identified multiple origins of the fire, solidifying suspicions of arson, along with the discovery of a gas can inside the house.
This troubling incident adds to Clements’ lengthy criminal record, dating back to 1993 with a conviction for kidnapping and spousal rape. He was on parole for these offenses during the February altercation.
Initially charged with aggravated battery and false imprisonment, Clements faces additional charges of attempted murder, arson, and animal cruelty following the fire investigation. His arraignment, originally slated for May 13, has been canceled, leaving him in continued custody without bond.