North Carolina Woman Set on Fire in Brutal Attack, Police Seek Suspects

Ashanti Downey, 20, suffered severe burns after being doused with gasoline and ignited by three unidentified assailants during a walk to the store.

Ashanti Downey, a 20-year-old woman, was attacked on December 16 while walking along Highway 27 in Harnett County, North Carolina.
Three unidentified individuals poured gasoline on Downey and ignited it with a cigarette, leaving her with second- and third-degree burns over nearly 70% of her body.
Downey remains in critical but stable condition at a burn center, undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive treatment for her injuries.
Authorities are investigating potential motives, including domestic violence or gang-related activity, but no leads or witnesses have been identified so far.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Downey's mother has raised over $30,000 to cover medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.