Virginia Woman Accused of Horrific Crime of Setting Friend on Fire and Watching Her Burn
( Image: Facebook)
A Virginia woman faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly dousing a family friend in gasoline and setting her on fire. The victim, Tiffany Dunford, succumbed to her injuries hours after the attack, which occurred on November 17 in Max Meadows, Law&Crime reported.
Deputies from the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office arrived at Dunford’s home to find her clinging to life with severe burns covering most of her body. “The victim was transported by helicopter to a specialized medical facility for treatment of her injuries,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Investigators allege that Savannah Adams, 28, set Dunford ablaze while she was sitting on a couch in her home. Footage from local NBC affiliate WSLS revealed the charred remains of the couch at the scene. Adams reportedly fled in a silver 2004 Dodge Neon.
Authorities posted her photo and vehicle information on social media, and she was apprehended the following morning. Initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and felonious assault, Adams’ charges were upgraded to first-degree murder after Dunford’s death. Police indicated that Dunford and Adams were acquaintances who knew each other through mutual friends and family.
“Tiffany is too nice of a person, and this is devastating to me and my family,” Dunford’s cousin, Nancy Reyna, told Fox affiliate WFXR. “She could light up a room, and whether she was in the right or wrong, I don’t care, I still loved her, but she didn’t deserve to be burned.”
Adams has a criminal history that includes prior charges of assault, trespassing, and obstructing justice. She was also out on bond for a separate 2023 incident where she allegedly attacked another woman with a metal pipe. Court documents from that case indicate the victim reportedly told a witness, “Savannah was trying to kill me.”
For her previous charges, Adams was convicted twice for trespassing and was awaiting trial for assault. She is now being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail. The tragic death of Dunford has left her family devastated and calling for justice. As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the events that led to the horrific attack.
