ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (TCD) — A 48-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of stabbing his girlfriend and lighting her and her house on fire following a dispute last week.
According to a news release from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, May 10, at around 12:55 a.m., deputies responded to Chez Charolais Road to a report of arson and a possible stabbing victim. At the scene, deputies observed a mobile home on fire.
Further investigation revealed James Gunnerson allegedly stabbed his girlfriend, Tamra Clemans, after an argument. The sheriff’s office alleges he then poured motor fuel on Clemans and her home before lighting it ablaze.
Clemans reportedly escaped and safely made it to a neighbor’s home for assistance. When fire personnel responded to the mobile home, they found Gunnerson hiding in the backyard with a knife, according to deputies. Authorities Tased Gunnerson multiple times in order to subdue him and take him into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, Clemans sustained severe injuries and had to be airlifted to a hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Her boyfriend also reportedly suffered burns and had to undergo treatment.
On May 10, officials arrested Gunnerson in Forsyth County following his release from the hospital. He remains held in the Forsyth County Detention Center without bond on charges of first-degree arson and attempted first-degree murder.
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