Mother of 2 died after her acquaintance drove up to her home while out on bond, then covered her with gasoline as she was sitting on an outdoor couch before setting her on fire

Virginia – In a harrowing sequence of events in Virginia, a 28-year-old woman, identified as S. Adams, has been charged with first-degree murder after setting her acquaintance, identified as T. Dunford, on fire. This incident occurred just months after Adams was released on bond for a separate incident where she assaulted someone with a metal pipe. The gravity of the charges she faces is a chilling reminder of the potential for violence lurking beneath the surface in some interpersonal relationships.

What should have been a peaceful day on Dunford’s property turned tragic earlier this month as Adams committed a horrifying act of violence. According to police reports, Adams drove up to Dunford’s property, doused her with gasoline while she sat on an outdoor couch, and then set her on fire. The attack left Dunford with severe injuries covering most of her body.

The sheriff’s office received the initial emergency call, leading to deputies finding Dunford in desperate need of medical attention. Despite the immediate medical response that saw her airlifted to a specialized facility, Dunford’s injuries proved fatal, and she was pronounced dead the following day.

The community was quick to react. Adams fled the scene in a silver 2004 Dodge Neon, prompting the sheriff’s office to issue a public appeal for help on social media, including a photo of Adams and her vehicle. This led to her arrest early the following day. Initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and felonious assault, the charges were escalated to first-degree murder after Dunford succumbed to her injuries.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with Dunford’s cousin, N. Reyna, speaking to local media about the bright presence Dunford brought to life and the profound injustice of her death. “She is too nice of a person, and this is devastating to me and my family,” Reyna said.

The legal implications for Adams are severe. Already known to law enforcement due to her lengthy criminal history, including charges of trespassing, obstructing justice, and minor traffic violations, this latest act could result in a life sentence if she is found guilty of the first-degree murder charge, along with a significant fine.

Adams was free on bond at the time of Dunford’s murder for a 2023 incident where she was accused of assaulting a person with a metal pipe. She was scheduled to appear in court on December 5 for that assault charge. Additionally, she was supposed to be tried on November 18 for a misdemeanor destruction of property charge stemming from July 8.

Adams is being held without bond in jail, awaiting her court appearance for Dunford’s murder scheduled for January 31. If convicted of first-degree murder, Adams faces a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison, along with a possible $100,000 fine

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the gruesome attack. Police have confirmed that Adams and Dunford knew each other through friends and family, but the exact nature of their relationship and any potential disputes remain unclear. The tragic death of Dunford has left her family, including her two young children, mourning and seeking justice. As the investigation unfolds, more details may shed light on the circumstances that led to this horrific act.