Ashanti Downey, 20, is in critical condition after she was doused with gasoline and set on fire with a lit cigarette while walking to a Dollar General store in Sanford, North Carolina, on December 16. The attack left her with third-degree burns covering 70% of her body.
Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, who was allegedly living with Ashanti at the time, was arrested 11 days later in connection with the shocking assault. Griffin faces charges of attempted murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and misdemeanor assault on a female. Investigators suspect the attack may have involved “domestic relations,” according to CBS17.
Ashanti’s mother spoke about her daughter’s devastating injuries and shared her anguish in a GoFundMe page created to raise funds for Ashanti’s medical expenses. “On Monday, December 16, 2024, my daughter Ashanti’s life changed forever,” she wrote. “She was brutally attacked by an assailant and the investigation is currently ongoing.
“They doused her with a flammable liquid and set her on fire. He has suffered third-degree burns to more than 70% of his body and is now in critical condition. “My daughter will celebrate her 21st birthday on January 1, 2025 and, due to the hatred of one or more individuals, her life will be changed forever. No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in.
“I make her my top priority and have been by her side in the hospital since this incident occurred.” The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office reported Ashanti was walking near North Carolina Highway 27 and Barbecue Church Road when she was attacked. The agents were alerted by the personnel of central carolina hospital, where Ashanti was admitted with serious burns.
She was later transferred to a burn center and is in critical but stable condition. The sheriff’s office initially sought three people in connection with the attack. A statement confirmed that Ashanti had been “doused with gasoline and set on fire with a cigarette.” Griffin was arrested on December 27 and authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The investigation continues as Ashanti fights for her life in the hospital.