Porterville, CA — A California family was left shaken when a woman was allegedly set on fire by her husband of 10 years, leaving her seven children in shock. The incident occurred on Friday evening, October 11, 2025, and prompted a swift response from law enforcement.
Sean Hoffman, 42, was arrested at the scene and is facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault and arson, according to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.
Incident Details
Sheriff’s deputies were called to the couple’s home in Porterville, California, around 5:30 p.m. on Friday after receiving reports of a violent domestic incident. Upon arrival, deputies found Sheena Hoffman, mother of seven, suffering from severe burns to her face, arms, and torso.
According to reports, Hoffman allegedly doused Sheena with a highly flammable liquid and ignited it, causing life-threatening injuries. Sheena was airlifted to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital’s burn unit, where she is currently in stable condition, though she faces a long recovery period.
Family Account
Sheena’s adult son, Michael Post, shared details about the harrowing event. He said he was at his own home when he received a call from his sister:
“She was like, ‘You need to get to mom’s house now. Your stepdad just covered her in gasoline and said he’s going to light her on fire.’”
Post described his mother as a central figure in the community, always helping others and providing support. He explained that although he had never witnessed physical violence between his mother and stepfather, their arguments were frequent.
“Her home is where everybody goes to. It’s always like if anybody needs anything, they call her,” Post said. “She’s always the one who runs to people’s rescue if they need it.”
Legal Proceedings
Hoffman was taken into custody at the scene and remains in the South County Detention Center. He faces charges of:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department has urged residents to report any suspicious activity or domestic violence concerns to ensure swift intervention.
Community Support
In response to Sheena’s injuries and the family’s needs, the children have set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses, transportation, and household costs while their mother recovers.
Michael Post wrote on the fundraising page:
“I never dreamed I would have to be doing this, but my mother Sheena was badly burned yesterday due to a horrific domestic violence incident. We’re asking for donations to help with gas, and food for my siblings and me, and hopefully we raise enough to help with my mom’s bills until she can fully recover.”
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The family hopes the fundraiser will ease the financial burden during Sheena’s rehabilitation and provide additional support for the children.
Domestic Violence Awareness
This tragic incident underscores the serious and pervasive risks of domestic violence, which can escalate quickly and have life-threatening consequences. Authorities continue to stress the importance of community awareness, intervention, and access to resources for victims of domestic abuse.
Residents are encouraged to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org if they or someone they know may be at risk.
Final Word
The alleged attack on Sheena Hoffman is a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and prevention of domestic violence. Law enforcement and community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any signs of abuse.
For updates on the case, community support resources, and ways to assist victims of domestic violence, readers can visit hamiltonpawprint.com.
