NC woman doused in gas, set on fire with cigarette

A shocking incident occurred in North Carolina where a young woman was doused in gasoline and set on fire by an unknown suspect, leaving her with severe burns and her mother devastated by the senseless act of violence.

Ashanti Downey, 20, was quickly taken to the emergency room after suffering second and third-degree burns on the right side of her body on the night of Dec. 16, as reported by WRAL News in Raleigh-Durham.

The staff at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford contacted the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office around 7 p.m. to report the disturbing attack that took place as Downey was walking along Highway 27 towards a local Dollar General store.

According to Downey’s account to investigators, an unidentified man approached her from behind, poured gasoline on her, and then lit a cigarette, causing the fire to ignite.

She was later transferred to a nearby burn center where she remains in critical but stable condition with burns covering nearly three-quarters of her body, as reported by the network and a GoFundMe page set up by her family.

Downey’s distraught mother, Donecia Davis, expressed her anguish by questioning, “How could they do this to my baby?” WRAL reported. She added that her daughter would be turning 21 on New Year’s Day.

In the GoFundMe fundraiser, which has raised over $20,000, Davis described how her daughter’s life has been forever changed due to the malicious actions of others.

“No parent should have to witness their child in the condition my daughter is in,” Davis wrote. “I am fully dedicated to being by her side at the hospital since this incident occurred.”

In an update on Christmas Day, Davis mentioned that her daughter will undergo a third surgery soon.

The funds raised will assist the family in covering the costs of surgeries, treatment, and rehabilitation, she added.

Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats described this as one of the most horrific crimes his department has ever encountered.

“It’s a nightmare for this family,” he stated, mentioning that the motive behind the attack is still unknown.

“It could be related to domestic issues or even a gang initiation. We are puzzled by what has transpired,” Coats added.

Meanwhile, Davis is pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

“Someone needs to speak the truth,” she urged. “You witnessed it.”

Authorities have requested individuals with details to contact Detective Ronald Beasley at 910-893-0151, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office at 910-893-9111, the tip line at 910-893-0300, or submit a tip at P3Tips.com.