Photo, update of Belton, South Carolina boy burned in kidnapping, chase crash released by family

IN JUST A FEW MINUTES. THANKS, GRIFFIN. NEW TONIGHT AT 11. THE FAMILY OF A YOUNG BOY WHO WAS BURNED IN A FIERY CRASH IS SHARING AN UPDATE ON HIS RECOVERY. BACK IN MAY, AUTHORITIES SAY THREE YEAR OLD BENNETT D’ORNELLAS WAS KIDNAPED BY HIS FATHER IN ANDERSON COUNTY, THEN TAKEN ACROSS STATE LINES ON I-85 INTO HART COUNTY, GEORGIA. OFFICERS SAY 32 YEAR OLD JOSHUA D’ORNELLAS WAS ARRESTED AFTER CRASHING HIS TRUCK AND SETTING IT ON FIRE. BENNETT WAS FLOWN TO THE AUGUSTA BURN CENTER WITH THIRD DEGREE BURNS ON 90% OF HIS BODY. TODAY, BENNETT’S AUNT SHARED THIS PICTURE WITH US OF OF BENNETT WITH HIS MOM AND SIBLINGS OUTSIDE THE BURN CENTER. HIS AUNT SAID, QUOTE, BENNETT IS DOING GREAT. HE IS OFFICIALLY OFF THE VENTILATOR AND HAS HIS LAST SURGERY TO CLOSE UP ALL OF HIS SKIN. TOMORROW WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR COMMUNITY, FOR THE CONTINUED

The family of a 3-year-old South Carolina boy pulled from a burning truck after a kidnapping, chase, and crash shared a photo and an encouraging update on his condition Wednesday.The photo is the first to be released of little Bennett Dornellas since he was admitted to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, on May 8.The family told us back then that Bennett suffered third-degree burns to 90% of his body.Watch that video above.Anderson County Sheriff's deputies said the 3-year-old was kidnapped by his father, Joshua Dornellas, from their home in Belton.Authorities from Georgia chased Dornellas' truck after he crossed the state line with Bennett in the front seat. Dornellas then intentionally set the truck on fire before jumping out while traveling 55 mph, officials said.Dornellas was arrested and remains in custody during an investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.On Wednesday, Bennett's aunt Stephanie Darnell gave this update:"Bennett is doing great. He is officially off the ventilator and has his last surgery to close up all of his skin tomorrow. We are so thankful for community for the continued support love and prayers they have provided for us."The photo includes Bennett's mom, Chelsea, sister, Kyleigh, and brother, Samuel.Bennett's family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills.

AUGUSTA, Ga. —

The family of a 3-year-old South Carolina boy pulled from a burning truck after a kidnapping, chase, and crash shared a photo and an encouraging update on his condition Wednesday.

The photo is the first to be released of little Bennett Dornellas since he was admitted to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, on May 8.

The family told us back then that Bennett suffered third-degree burns to 90% of his body.

Watch that video above.

Anderson County Sheriff's deputies said the 3-year-old was kidnapped by his father, Joshua Dornellas, from their home in Belton.

Authorities from Georgia chased Dornellas' truck after he crossed the state line with Bennett in the front seat. Dornellas then intentionally set the truck on fire before jumping out while traveling 55 mph, officials said.

Dornellas was arrested and remains in custody during an investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

Stephanie Darnell

Bennett Dornellas (center) with family (from left to right) brother Samuel, mother Chelsea, and sister Kyleigh

On Wednesday, Bennett's aunt Stephanie Darnell gave this update:

"Bennett is doing great. He is officially off the ventilator and has his last surgery to close up all of his skin tomorrow. We are so thankful for community for the continued support love and prayers they have provided for us."

The photo includes Bennett's mom, Chelsea, sister, Kyleigh, and brother, Samuel.

Bennett's family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for his medical bills.

Photo, update of Belton, South Carolina boy burned in kidnapping, chase crash released by family

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