Man Accused of Attempted Murder After Allegedly Setting Woman on Fire: ‘A Horrific Nightmare’

A 20-year-old woman from North Carolina remains in critical but stable condition following a harrowing incident in which she was reportedly doused with gasoline and set ablaze.

Authorities have charged Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, of Sanford, with felony attempted murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and misdemeanor assault on a female. The charges stem from an incident on December 16, according to statements from the Harnett County Sheriff's Office relayed by local outlets WTVD-TV, WNCN-TV, and WRAL-TV. Griffin was apprehended on December 27, 11 days after the alleged attack.

The victim, identified as Ashanti Downey, suffered third-degree burns on the right side of her body. Authorities revealed she had been walking along Barbecue Church Road in Sanford when an assailant drenched her in gasoline and ignited her.

Downey’s mother, Donecia Davis, expressed profound disbelief and anguish. “How could anyone commit such an atrocity against my baby?” she tearfully shared with WRAL-TV. “This was utterly unnecessary and cruel.”

In a GoFundMe campaign launched to offset Ashanti's mounting medical expenses, Davis detailed the tragedy’s impact. She noted that her daughter was on the cusp of celebrating her 21st birthday on January 1. “Her life is irrevocably altered,” Davis wrote, adding, “No parent should endure seeing their child in such a devastating state. My focus remains steadfastly on her recovery, and I have been at her side in the hospital since this nightmare unfolded.”

The fundraiser, which initially set a $75,000 goal, has since surpassed expectations, amassing over $88,000 from more than 2,000 compassionate contributors as of December 28.

Before Griffin’s arrest, Sheriff Wayne Coats described the situation as “a family’s living nightmare.” Preliminary investigations suggested a potential domestic connection to the crime, though earlier reports speculated additional individuals might have been involved. Coats previously remarked to WNCN-TV, “This could have been part of a gang initiation. We are still grappling to comprehend the motives behind such a monstrous act.”

Authorities confirmed Griffin and Downey were cohabiting at the time of the incident. She was rushed to the hospital where she remains in a precarious but stable condition.

Griffin, now in custody at the Harnett County Detention Center, is scheduled to appear in court on December 30.