Business raises money for 3-year-old kidnapping victim’s recovery in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A South Carolina business is raising money for a 3-year-old who is recovering at Augusta Burn Center, after deputies say his father set a truck on fire while he was still inside.

Under The Carolina Moon announced that they are selling specially designed shirts to raise money for Bennett, 3, who is currently at the Augusta Burn Center receiving care for 3rd degree burns that cover 90% of his body, according to a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of his family.

Bennett’s father, 31-year-old Joshua Dornellas, is accused of violently assaulting Bennett’s mother on May 8 before kidnapping the boy and then leading officials on a chase across state lines.

Dornellas set a truck on fire with Bennett inside and then jumped through the window trying to evade officials, according to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. Dornellas was later arrested in Georgia.

Bennett’s family gave an update Thursday stating that he has undergone multiple surgeries since the incident, including ones to amputate his toes and parts of the fingers on his right hand.

According to Under The Carolina Moon, all the proceeds from the new shirt will go to Bennett and his family to help during his recovery.

Bennett’s family says he is still in critical but stable condition and will remain at the Augusta Burn Center for at least six months.

Those interested in purchasing the shirt can find details about it here.

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