GhLinks Media
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a horrifying assault that left a young woman with severe burns in Harnett County.
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office reported that on December 16, 20-year-old Ashanti Downey was walking along Highway 27 toward a Dollar General store in Sanford, North Carolina, when an unknown man approached her from behind, doused her with gasoline, and ignited her using a cigarette.
Downey suffered second- and third-degree burns over nearly three-quarters of her body.
She was initially taken to Central Carolina Hospital before being transferred to a specialized burn center, where she remains in critical but stable condition.
On Friday, investigators arrested Jami Raiziah Griffin.
He faces charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and assault on a female/domestic violence.
Griffin is currently being held without bond at the Harnett County Detention Center.
Ashanti’s mother, Donecia Davis, expressed her grief and anger over the incident.
“How could they do this to my baby?” she said, adding that her daughter will soon undergo her third surgery.
Ashanti, who turns 21 on New Year’s Day, has endured a grueling recovery process.
Davis said, “No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in.”
Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described the assault as one of the most shocking crimes his department has encountered.
“It’s just a nightmare for this family,” he told WRAL News.
The community has rallied around Downey and her family.
A GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses has raised over $65,870, nearing its $75,000 goal.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
For those who wish to support Ashanti and her family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page.
This incident has left the community in shock, with many questioning the motive behind such a brutal attack.
Sheriff Coats mentioned that the motive remains unclear, stating, “It could have been domestic-related. It could have been a gang initiation. We’re mystified by what’s happened.”
