UPDATE: A 46-year-old woman in Savannah, Georgia, is suffering from horrific burns after a stranger poured acid over her head during a walk in Forsyth Park on the evening of December 6, 2023. Authorities are in urgent pursuit of the unidentified attacker, who struck at approximately 8:16 PM.
Ashley Wasielewski was leaving a Christmas program at a local church when she was approached by the assailant. Witnesses report she initially thought she was being splashed with water, only to realize the horrifying truth as the corrosive liquid began to burn through her clothing and severely injure her skin. According to her friend, Ashley screamed in agony, “Why are you pouring water on me?” as the attack unfolded.
The attack left Ashley with second- and third-degree burns over half of her body, including her face, scalp, hands, and legs. A fellow park-goer, who rushed to help her, alerted her family about the incident. Her son, Westley, expressed confusion over the attack, stating, “We don’t know who did it. She doesn’t have any enemies. She is a friend to everyone.”
Local law enforcement, in collaboration with the FBI, is actively investigating the incident and has increased patrols in city parks. Surveillance footage captured the assailant wearing blue jeans and a dark hooded sweatshirt with a white cartoon rabbit, but the individual remains unidentified.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson emphasized the urgency of the investigation, stating, “Our Police Department is treating this case with the highest urgency. While this attack is deeply troubling, there is currently no information indicating a broader or ongoing threat to the public.”
Ashley, known for her charitable work and dedication to volunteering for the homeless, is currently undergoing treatment at the Augusta Burn Center. The community is rallying around her, with friends and family expressing their shock and heartbreak over the senseless violence.
As the search for the attacker continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can lurk in public spaces. The community remains on high alert as the investigation unfolds.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
