SANFORD, NC – A local man has been charged with attempted murder following a brutal assault just before Christmas, where a woman was set on fire, authorities announced. Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, was apprehended on December 27, accused of the December 16 attack that left Ashanti Downey, 20, with severe burns.

The assault occurred in Harnett County, near Barbecue Church Road in Sanford, as Downey walked toward a Dollar General store. Initially, authorities believed the attack involved three unknown individuals in a vehicle. However, further investigations determined that Griffin, who had been living with Downey, acted alone.

Downey suffered second and third-degree burns, according to law enforcement officials. She was first treated at Central Carolina Hospital before being transferred to a burn center due to the severity of her injuries. Reports indicate she remains in critical but stable condition, and it remains uncertain if she can communicate.

Griffin faces several charges, including felony attempted first-degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor assault on a female. Owing to the domestic nature of the crime, Griffin remains in custody without bond and is slated to appear in court on December 30.

The authorities have no eyewitness accounts of the incident, adding complexity to the case. Investigators are methodically piecing together the events that led to this violent act, hoping to provide clarity and justice.

This incident has stunned the Sanford community, with many shocked by the details of the crime. As the investigation continues, more information is anticipated, potentially offering insights into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Griffin’s arrest underscores the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in addressing domestic violence issues. Despite the gravity of the charges, the lack of direct witnesses complicates the judicial process.

Police in Sanford are urging anyone with information related to the incident to step forward, aiming to construct a clearer picture of what transpired. As Downey fights for her recovery, community members are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures against domestic violence.