A 23-year-old man in North Carolina has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting a 20-year-old woman on fire. The victim, Ashanti Downey, suffered severe burns across 70 percent of her body and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident occurred on December 16, as Downey was reportedly walking towards a local store. According to reports, the assailant approached her from behind, doused her in gasoline, and ignited the fluid.
Following the attack, authorities arrested Jami Griffin on Friday, charging him with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault on a female. Griffin was scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. Initial investigations entertained the possibility of others being involved, but authorities now believe Griffin acted alone.
Sheriff Wayne Coats of Harnett County described the crime as one of the most heinous his department has ever encountered. He emphasized the tragic impact of the attack, referring to the situation as a "nightmare" for the victim's family. Downey's mother stated that her daughter’s life has been "forever changed" by this brutal act.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Downey's condition has been described as critical but stable. She has been taken off a ventilator, can move her limbs and is able to communicate. She is scheduled for further surgery. The family has expressed immense gratitude for the support, including donations received through a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $100,000.
