Sanford Man Arrested Following Fire Incident That Critically Injured Girlfriend

Harnett County, NC — A Sanford man has been arrested in connection with a serious incident that left his girlfriend with critical burn injuries. Jami Raiziah Griffin, 23, was taken into custody by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on December 12, 2024, near N.C. 27 West and Barbecue Church Road, just outside Sanford. According to investigators, Griffin is alleged to have exposed his girlfriend, 20-year-old Ashanti Downey, to fire, resulting in severe burns. Downey was initially transported to Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford on December 16 before being transferred to the UNC Burn Center, where she remains in critical but stable condition.

Arrest and Charges

Griffin is currently being held at the Harnett County Detention Center without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 30, 2024. The charges against him have not been fully disclosed but stem from the injuries inflicted on Downey during the fire incident.

Griffin’s Criminal History

Records show that Griffin has been booked multiple times in Lee County over the past year for various offenses:

January 19, 2024: Carrying a concealed gun and traffic-related offenses.
July 30, 2024: Carrying a concealed gun.
November 6, 2024: Communicating threats.
December 4, 2024: Communicating threats, just eight days before the fire incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Ronald Beasley at 910-893-0151 or the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office at 910-893-9111.

A Call for Healing

Domestic conflicts can have devastating effects on victims, families, and communities. It’s important to seek help early and often. For those in need of assistance, SAFE of Harnett County provides support and resources for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Contact them at 910-893-7233 for the care and support you deserve.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring that victims receive the help they need. Let’s work together to foster healing and prevent further harm.