Woman in critical condition in LSU burn unit after being set on fire
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: October 22, 2012
Today, a women lies in critical condition in the LSU Medical Center Burn Unit after being intentionally set on fire, according to State Police.
It happened around 8 p.m. Sunday night. The victim, 20-year-old Sharmeka L. Moffit, called 911 saying she had been set on fire on a walking trail in Civitan Park in Winnsboro. Although an officer arrived in less than a minute, no one besides the victim was there. The victim was able to put out the fire herself and told the officer she had been set on fire by three males.
Moffit, an African-American, told the 911 dispatcher she didn't know the race of the suspects, but did say she thought they were wearing white hoods, hoodies or hats.
When Moffit's car was found, "KKK" and the "n-word" were written on the hood with a pasty substance, police say.
Physical evidence was found at the scene and is now being analyzed at the Northwest Louisiana Crime Lab. State police are still waiting on results.
Investigators have been unable to question the victim further due to the severity of her burns. In addition to Louisiana State Police, the Winnsboro Police Department, the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting in the investigation.
Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to call Louisiana State Police at (318) 435-4505. Reported by Kimberly Rusley, 10-22-12
