A 20-year-old woman in North Carolina is fighting for her life after enduring a brutal and shocking attack. Ashanti Downey suffered second- and third-degree burns over much of her body after a man doused her in a flammable liquid and set her on fire as she walked home from a local Dollar Tree store. The assault has left her in critical condition and sparked widespread concern and speculation about the motive behind the violence.
Authorities arrested 23-year-old Jami Raiziah Griffin on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault on a female. Sheriff Wayne Coats said investigators are exploring multiple theories, including domestic violence and possible gang involvement, though no clear motive has yet been determined. “It’s just a nightmare for this family,” Coats remarked, adding that the crime has mystified law enforcement.
The attack, which occurred on Dec. 16 in Sanford, North Carolina, has horrified both the local community and people following the case online. Many have questioned the sheriff’s suggestions of gang initiation, with some speculating that racial motivations could be a factor. Comments on social media expressed disbelief and outrage, with one user writing, “This sheriff needs to be investigated! This ain’t got nothing to do with that!” Another remarked, “Sounds like a Klan initiation to me.”
Downey, who was walking home from an errand, was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a burn center for specialized care. Her mother, Donecia Davis, described the heartbreaking ordeal, saying, “How could they do this to my baby? You didn’t have to do this to her.” The attack comes just weeks before Downey’s 21st birthday, adding an even greater sense of tragedy to the situation.
A GoFundMe page set up by Davis has drawn support for Downey’s medical expenses, as the family prepares for a long road to recovery. The attack has left Downey with burns covering more than 70 percent of her body, a trauma that will require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the community and investigators alike continue to grapple with the brutal nature of the crime and search for answers about what motivated such a heinous act.
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