Nationwide — Ashanti Downey, a 21-year-old African American woman from Sanford, North Carolina who graduated high school in 2022, was attacked and set on fire, leaving her with severe burns on 70% of her body. Authorities have arrested 23-year-old Jami Raiziah Griffin, who faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.

On December 16, police responded to a 911 call about a woman with severe burns at Central Carolina Hospital. The victim, identified as Downey, suffered second and third-degree burns on the right side of her body. She remains in critical but stable condition.

“How could they do this to my baby?” Downey’s mother, Donecia Davis, told WRAL. “You didn’t have to do this to her.”

Downey, who just turned 21 years old, told investigators she was walking to a Dollar General when someone doused her with gasoline and set her on fire using a cigarette. Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described the attack as one of the most heinous crimes his department has ever seen.

Authorities initially suspected multiple people were involved, but further investigation revealed Griffin acted alone. Authorities stated that Griffin, who knew Downey and lived with her, deliberately targeted her. The motive remains unclear, with investigators exploring possible domestic violence or gang initiation connections.

Griffin has been charged with felony attempted murder, felony assault with a d3adly weapon with intent to k!ll, and misdemeanor assault on a female. He appeared in court on December 30, receiving a $1 million bond and a no-contact order with Downey or her family.

Meanwhile, Downey’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $103,000 to cover her medical expenses and ongoing treatment