*A man from Sanford, North Carolina, was arrested for allegedly setting a woman on fire after pouring gasoline on her, in what police suspect was a domestic violence incident.
The heinous assault occurred on December 16, when 20-year-old Ashanti Downey was walking near Barbecue Church Road and was attacked by the suspect, Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, whom police say she lived with. Downey suffered third-degree burns and was taken to the emergency room. The attack occurred as she was set to celebrate her 21st birthday on Jan. 1.
Griffin was arrested on December 27 and faces charges including attempted murder and felony assault, according to reports from WTVD-TV, WNCN-TV and WRAL-TV.
A GoFundMe was set up to pay for Downey’s medical expenses. As of Dec. 30, the campaign has raised over $100,000.
“No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in,” Downey’s mother, Donecia Davis, told WRAL-TV. “I am making her my top priority and have been by her side at the hospital since this incident occurred.”
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Davis said her daughter’s “life will be forever changed.”
“You didn’t have to do this to her,” she said.
Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said the incident “could have been domestic related.”
On the campaign page, Davis noted that her daughter “was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire.”
“She has sustained 3rd degree burns over 70% of her body and is now in critical condition,” Davis added.
In an update shared on Dec. 27, Davis wrote, “I just wanted to give an update on Ashanti’s progress. She is still in critical but stable condition and is off the ventilator. She is moving her limbs and is able to talk . Please keep her still in your prayers as she undergo another surgery next Monday . She is still fighting and she said she appreciates all the love and donations as she journey through her fight.”
Griffin was transported to the Harnett County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Dec. 30, PEOPLE reports.
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