Mother of Suspect in Harnett County Burn Attack Charged; Victim Making Strides in Recovery

SANFORD, NC – The mother of a man accused of setting a Harnett County woman on fire has been arrested and charged as an accessory in the horrific crime. Latonya Renee Murchison, 44, is accused of helping her son, Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, cover up the attack on 21-year-old Ashanti Downey, according to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

The Attack

The incident occurred on December 16, 2024, while Downey was walking along NC Highway 27 toward a Dollar General in Sanford. Downey told investigators she was approached from behind by three individuals, doused with gasoline, and set on fire with a cigarette.

Griffin was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and misdemeanor assault on a female. He remains in custody at the Harnett County Detention Center under a $1,000,000 bond.

Accessory Charges Against Murchison

Murchison, identified as Griffin’s mother, was arrested on New Year’s Eve and charged with accessory after the fact. Authorities allege that she:

• Attempted to discard Downey’s clothing to destroy evidence.
• Transported Downey away from the crime scene to conceal its location.
• Failed to notify law enforcement and provided false information when questioned.

Murchison remains in custody at the Harnett County Detention Center under a $500,000 bond. Both Murchison and Griffin are scheduled for a probable cause hearing on January 14, 2025.

Downey’s Recovery

Despite the severity of her injuries, which include second- and third-degree burns over a significant portion of her body, Downey is making remarkable progress at the UNC Burn Center. Her mother, Donecia Davis, shared updates on her daughter’s journey:

• Downey is now walking with assistance and sitting in a chair.
• She celebrated her 21st birthday on January 1, surrounded by family, friends, and hospital staff.
• Downey has resumed eating regularly and is transitioning away from tube feeds.

“She is determined to fight and get through this,” Davis said in an update on a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $100,000 to cover medical expenses. “She wants everyone to continue to pray for her as she undergoes her third surgery on Monday.”

Community Support

The outpouring of support for Downey has been overwhelming. Contributions to the GoFundMe have come from over 2,500 donors raising over $100,000, far exceeding the initial $75,000 goal. Davis expressed gratitude for the kind words and financial assistance that Downey and her family have received during this challenging time.

Ongoing Investigation

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the attack. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

This devastating crime has left a community shaken but also united in support of Downey, whose resilience inspires hope for her recovery.

Photos: Harnett County Sheriff’s Office