A woman in North Carolina’s life was tragically altered earlier this month when she was attacked by a man who allegedly doused her in gasoline and set her on fire. The horrific incident, which occurred just weeks before her 21st birthday, left the victim, Ashanti Downey, with third-degree burns over 70% of her body. Downey was walking to a Dollar General near her home in Sanford, along Highway 27, when the attack took place. According to her family, the assault has left Downey in critical condition, and she is now facing a long and painful recovery.
Ashanti’s mother, Donecia Davis, described the devastating impact of the attack on her daughter. “No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in,” Davis wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to support Ashanti’s medical expenses. “My daughter will be celebrating her 21st birthday on January 1, 2025, and due to the hatred of an individual or individuals, her life will be forever changed.” Davis explained that Ashanti’s injuries were the result of a brutal assault in which she was covered with a flammable liquid and set on fire, causing severe burns to most of her body.
Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described the attack as one of the most “heinous” crimes his department has ever investigated, calling it a “nightmare” for Ashanti’s family. Local authorities have arrested Jami Griffin, 23, in connection with the assault. Griffin faces charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and assault on a female. He was taken into custody on December 29, 2024, and is being held at the Harnett County Detention Center without bond.
At the time of Griffin’s arrest, law enforcement was still trying to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether Griffin acted alone or had accomplices. Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the attack was motivated by a domestic dispute, as there are indications that Ashanti may have known Griffin. Authorities are also considering whether the incident may have ties to gang activity, although that angle remains under investigation.
Ashanti’s mother, Davis, has expressed frustration and confusion over the lack of clarity regarding the motive behind the attack. “Unfortunately, at this time, there is not much information on what transpired,” Davis said. “Therefore, I am keeping her medical location private until I have more answers from the detective.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding the motive, Davis’s focus remains on her daughter’s recovery. The family has been forced to celebrate Ashanti’s upcoming birthday in the hospital, a stark contrast to what should have been a joyful milestone.
The attack on Ashanti has sparked outrage in the community, with many expressing their disbelief over the brutality of the crime. Friends and family members have rallied around Ashanti, offering their support and donations to help with her medical care. The GoFundMe page created by Davis has raised funds to cover the costs of Ashanti’s treatment, which will likely be extensive due to the severity of her burns.
Griffin is scheduled to appear in court on December 30, 2024, to face the charges against him. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover more details about the events leading up to the assault. The case has highlighted the extreme violence that can occur in moments of anger or hatred, leaving Ashanti and her family to cope with the aftermath of a crime that has forever altered their lives.
