Man arrested for setting woman on fire in North Carolina

A 23-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges in North Carolina after a horrific attack just days before Christmas. Jami Raiziah Griffin has been in police custody since Friday, December 27. Police said Griffin doused a woman with gasoline and set her on fire on December 16. The victim, Ashanti Downeysuffered second and third degree burns on the right side of the body, according to CBS17.

More details about the fire that attacked the 20-year-old girl

The incident occurred in Harnett County in Sanford, North Carolina, near Barbecue Church Road. She was walking along the street to Dollar General. Sheriff’s deputies initially believed that three people unknown to Ashanti, including Jami, pulled over the car they were traveling in, doused her in a flammable liquid and burned her with a cigarette.

However, investigators discovered that Ashanti and Jami Raiziah Griffin were living together when he carried out the attack. Additionally, according to CBS17Police no longer think people other than Griffin were involved.

What happens next?

Ashanti Downey remains in critical but stable condition. Medical professionals reportedly treated her at Central Carolina Hospital before transferring her to a local burn center.

Meanwhile, Jami will be locked up all weekend without bond. That’s because domestic violence part of his crime and knew Downey before the attack. The 23-year-old’s charges include felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill causing serious injury and misdemeanor battery against a woman. He will appear in Harnett County Court on Monday, December 30, according to CBS17.

At this time, police say there are no witnesses to the incident and it is unclear whether Ashanti was able to communicate verbally or physically.

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