NC Man Kills Mother By Pouring Gas On Her, Setting Her Ablaze: Police

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A North Carolina man is accused of killing his elderly mother by pouring gasoline on her and lighting her on fire, according to police.

James Parker, 48, of Winston-Salem, is charged with first-degree murder after police say he set 72-year-old Joanna Parker on fire, Winston-Salem police said in a report.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. Monday, police were called to the 1900 block of Lyons Street after a caller reported that someone had been set on fire, according to a news release. When officers arrived, they found Joanna Parker in flames on the porch, police said.

Officers were able to extinguish the flames and Joanna Parker was taken to a nearby hospital where she died from her injuries, police said.

According to the police report, James Parker was upset with his mother before he poured gasoline on her and set her on fire.

James Parker is being held without bond at the Forsyth County Detention Center, WRAL reported. His first appearance in court was Tuesday.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.