A shocking incident in Texas has left a 73-year-old man dead after his own son allegedly set their home on fire and fled, leaving his father trapped inside. Floyd Hadley, who could not walk, was found dead in a bathtub after managing to make a desperate 911 call for help, police say.
Tragic Fire and Desperate Call for Help
On July 21, 2025, a fire broke out at a home on Chilton Drive in Baytown, Texas, around 3:37 p.m. Floyd Hadley was inside and unable to escape the flames. Before the fire consumed him, he was able to call 911.
In his call, Floyd informed dispatchers that his house was on fire, and he couldn’t get out, according to the criminal complaint filed in Harris County.
However, by the time firefighters arrived, it was too late. Floyd Hadley was found dead in a bathtub, where he had presumably tried to take shelter from the flames.
Alleged Arson and Son’s Actions
Clinton Hadley, the 40-year-old son of the victim, is accused of setting the fire. According to the complaint, the blaze broke out moments after Clinton left the house. Neighbor security footage reportedly shows Clinton fleeing the scene, jumping a fence, and driving away in a Toyota Corolla.
Upon inspection, police found that the gas meter of the house appeared to be tampered with or broken, further suggesting foul play.
Clinton was arrested later that day in Louisiana after attempting to set fire to a business there. Police say he admitted to intentionally setting fire to the furniture at the house in Baytown where his father died.
Clinton allegedly confessed to the crime during interviews with authorities, stating he “wanted to burn the house down and get away from his family.”
Mental Health Concerns and Previous Warnings
Clinton Hadley reportedly has a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia. The day before the fire, Clinton’s aunt called the police for a welfare check after Clinton made threatening remarks about setting the house on fire. Police arrived at the scene but found the house engulfed in flames shortly after the call.
Clinton’s aunt mentioned that he had been talking about burning the house down, which led to the welfare check. Despite these warning signs, the tragic event unfolded, and Floyd Hadley lost his life in the fire.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Clinton Hadley was caught in Slidell, Louisiana, about 30 miles from New Orleans. He was reportedly trying to get gas money by threatening to burn down a building. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, terrorizing, and remaining in a place after being forbidden.
Following his arrest, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office filed a murder charge against him. Authorities in Louisiana are currently working with Texas officials to extradite him back to Texas.
This heartbreaking case of a son allegedly setting fire to his home and leaving his disabled father to die is a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and intervention. The situation also highlights the danger of untreated psychiatric issues and the devastating consequences they can have on families.
As authorities continue to investigate and pursue justice, it is clear that this horrific crime has left a deep impact on the Baytown community.
