A St. Pete man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after police say he set his girlfriend on fire.
John Riggins is accused of setting Sheron K. Pasco, 37, on fire July 5 at a home at 2800 24th Ave. S., according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Pasco was flown to a hospital with third-degree burns covering 60 percent of her body. As of Monday, she remained hospitalized in critical condition.
Officers said Riggins reportedly poured gasoline on his girlfriend during an argument, set her on fire and ran away.
According to authorities, Pasco and Riggins lived with Pasco's uncle at the house. Officers said there were other adults in the home who tried to help Pasco by putting her in a tub. Officers also said no witnesses have come forward saying they saw the incident.
Pasco suffered burns from her face down to her upper thighs.
Officers had told ABC Action News they were investigating conflicting statements made about the incident. They said they were investigating claims that Pasco's uncle was told by his niece that Riggins did not hurt her. Authorities said Pasco's uncle questioned that statement.
Riggins was found several hours after the incident hiding in a nearby abandoned home. He suffered burns, too. Riggins was taken to the hospital.
