A 60-year-old woman has died nearly two weeks after her boyfriend allegedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire inside their South Carolina home, authorities say.
Michele Gillis succumbed to her injuries on Feb. 20, 2025, after initially suffering third-degree burns to her upper body and face, according to multiple reports.
The attack allegedly took place on Feb. 8, 2025, in the Edisto residence she shared with her boyfriend, Harry Wolfe, WACH Fox 57 and WIS 10 reported.
According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), Gillis told investigators that Wolfe approached her in the living room and declared he was “going to get her.” He then allegedly poured gasoline on her and ignited a match, setting her on fire.
After the attack, Wolfe reportedly fled the scene and later crashed into an Orangeburg Department of Public Safety emergency fire vehicle.
He was transported to MUSC Orangeburg Medical Center for treatment before being taken into custody, per WACH Fox 57.
Authorities say Wolfe confessed to setting Gillis on fire but denied intending to kill her, WIS 10 reported. The incident report also noted that Gillis had previously told authorities Wolfe had a history of physical violence.
Gillis’ son, Terrance Bottoms, told WIS 10 that Wolfe allegedly called a family member and admitted to the crime.
“We’re steady asking investigators, ‘What can you tell us? What happened?’ Because the only thing we knew at that point was he called my aunt and said he lit my mother on fire,” Bottoms said. “One time is too much because if he did that to my mom, he had to have been physical with her at some point.”
Authorities are treating the case as domestic violence-related. Wolfe was arrested and remains in jail without bond. It is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
The OCSO has not responded to requests for further comment, People reported.
A GoFundMe campaign targeting $4,000 has been set up to support her children,
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential, 24/7 support in over 170 languages.
