Girl, 13, fighting for her life after ex-boyfriend, 19, 'set her on fire'

A 13-year-old girl is fighting for her life after her boyfriend allegedly set her alight using a can of petrol and left her with severe burns.

 

Wilson Javier Meléndez Bonilla, 19, is believed to have carried out the attack after the teenager attempted to bring their relationship to an end.

The girl's mother Nanette Martínez Camacho, 34, also suffered burns to her arms and face as she attempted to save her daughter at their home Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

Her nine-year-old brother was also burned in the horrifying incident but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Doctors at the University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan are treating the victim for 90 percent burns to her body and have attempted to save her limbs from amputation.

The suspect has already admitted to police that he carried out the the assault, according to local media.

Bonilla faces charges for sexual assault, aggravated escalation, aggravated fire and three of attempted murder.

He is being held at a prison complex in Ponce after failing to provide the $3.5m bond imposed by a judge.

News website El Volcero said the accused had met the schoolgirl when she was just 12-years-old and then began an illicit year-long relationship which ended just one month ago. 

His mother, Keilla Bonilla, said that the girl's parents should also be held liable for the attack and claims they were told about their relationship numerous times.

"I am very sorry about what is happening," Bonilla local news station WOLE12.

"I am a mother and I know that the girl is suffering. I ask God for the girl to get better."