Dornellas Indicted on Multiple Felony Charges in Franklin County

A South Carolina man who set fire to his truck during a high-speed chase in Franklin County with his little boy still inside has been indicted by a Franklin County Grand Jury on 25 counts.

Joshua Dornellas was indicted this week on Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Endangering a Child While Driving Under the Influence and a host of motor vehicle and traffic violations.

He is due back in Franklin County Superior Court on Friday, July 26 for a criminal hearing before Superior Court Judge Chris Phelps.

Acording to court records, in June a judge ordered Dornellas to undergo a mental health evaluation to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

So far, no word on the results of that evaluation.

On Wednesday, May 8, Dornellas allegedly assaulted his son’s mother at her home in Belton, SC then fled with his 3-year-old into Georgia.

With multiple law enforcement agencies from two states in pursuit, Dornellas threatened to harm the boy.

Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland said Dornellas allegedly poured an accelerant inside the cab of his truck, lit it, and then jumped out the driver’s side window with his son still inside.

Cleveland said he believes Dornellas also poured that accelerant on his son.

With 3rd degree burns over 90% of his body, little Bennet continues to recover at the Augusta Burn Center.

The family set up a GoFundMe account where people may donate to help pay for Bennett’s care.

As of July 10, the family posted that Bennett is improving, is off the ventilator, and was able to go outside for the first time to see his brother and sister.

So far, the family has raised over $66,000 on GoFundMe to help pay for his medical care.

Dornellas is being held without bond and also faces multiple charges in South Carolina where Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride said he has a long criminal history.