PALM BAY, Fla. — A Palm Bay man used an industrial-strength chemical to burn his girlfriend and her 14-year-old son during a domestic violence attack, police said Thursday.
A detective told WFTV that one of the most disturbing parts of the case is that the suspect, 50-year-old Fredrick Rogers, showed no remorse.
Police said he confessed to walking up to his girlfriend's car Wednesday night, and pouring industrial-strength drain cleaner on her face. Her 14-year-old son was in the passenger seat of the car and was hit with the chemical as well.
Rogers did not say anything during his first appearance before a judge Thursday morning. He is being held on a $600,000 bond.
Detectives said he and the victim had been dating for four years, but they were estranged and about a week ago, she had a restraining order issued against him. But Rogers had not yet been served with that order and knew nothing about it. He was actually served with that order Thursday morning, while he was sitting in jail.
Of course, that's too late for the victim who is now recovering at Orlando Regional Medical Center. Her son was not hurt as badly as she was. The chemical burned right through her clothes, and she suffered burns to her eye and mouth.
Rogers is charged with aggravated battery.