Nationwide — Ashanti Downey, a 21-year-old African American girl from Sanford, North Carolina who graduated highschool in 2022, was attacked and set on hearth, leaving her with extreme burns on 70% of her physique. Authorities have arrested 23-year-old Jami Raiziah Griffin, who faces a number of fees, together with tried homicide.
On December 16, police responded to a 911 name a couple of girl with extreme burns at Central Carolina Hospital. The sufferer, recognized as Downey, suffered second and third-degree burns on the suitable aspect of her physique. She stays in crucial however steady situation.
“How might they do that to my child?” Downey’s mom, Donecia Davis, advised WRAL. “You didn’t have to do that to her.”
Downey, who simply turned 21 years outdated, advised investigators she was strolling to a Greenback Basic when somebody doused her with gasoline and set her on hearth utilizing a cigarette. Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described the assault as one of the vital heinous crimes his division has ever seen.
Authorities initially suspected a number of folks have been concerned, however additional investigation revealed Griffin acted alone. Authorities acknowledged that Griffin, who knew Downey and lived together with her, intentionally focused her. The motive stays unclear, with investigators exploring attainable home violence or gang initiation connections.
Griffin has been charged with felony tried homicide, felony assault with a lethal weapon with intent to kill, and misdemeanor assault on a feminine. He appeared in court docket on December 30, receiving a $1 million bond and a no-contact order with Downey or her household.
In the meantime, Downey’s household has arrange a GoFundMe marketing campaign, elevating practically $103,000 to cowl her medical bills and ongoing remedy.
