UPDATE: Louisiana State Police Say Winnsboro Woman Set Herself on Fire
[UPDATE]: New evidence from Louisiana State Police suggests 20-year-old Sharmeka Moffitt set herself on fire.
Troopers say only Moffitt's DNA was found on the cigarette lighter and charcoal fluid used to set her on fire Sunday.
State police also believe Moffitt herself wrote KKK and a racial slur on her own vehicle with toothpaste.
In a written statement, Moffitt's family say they're devastated to learn the circumstances surrounding her injuries. They've apologized, but authorities say they are more concerned about Moffitt's recovery. She remains in critical condition at LSU Health.
[ORIGINAL STORY] A 20-year-old Winnsboro woman remains in critical condition at LSU Health Shreveport today, after being set on fire earlier this week. Sharmeka Moffitt was on a walking trail in a city park when she was attacked. But she didn't get a good enough description of her assailants. Franklin Parish Sheriff's Deputies continue to investigate the case.
Sharmeka's mother, Edna Moffitt, has expressed her appreciation for the interest and for the prayers of well-wishers from around the region, but she doesn't want to release further details of her daughter's medical care. She did say Sharmeka has opened her eyes and blinked to communicate with her family.
Louisiana U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu has also released this statement about the attack:
The appalling attack of a Winnsboro woman in a local park last weekend is completely unacceptable in a civilized society. My thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Moffitt and her family as she fights for her recovery. I am grateful that the Mayor has called for community unity in the face of this terrible act of violence, as well as a full investigation to determine whether the attack could be considered a hate crime. This was a heartless crime committed by cowardly people, and I believe its perpetrators should be swiftly and surely brought to justice.