MIDVALE (KSL.com) During an altercation, police allegedly poured a flammable liquid on her partner, who was then set on fire. The woman was taken into custody by police on Friday.
In connection with an investigation into attempted murder and aggravated arson, 23-year-old Ella Giselle Nelson was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
Due to severe burn injuries, the man was transported to a hospital.
Police were informed by witnesses that a man and woman were in the same car at a gas station in Midvale, close to 210 W. 7200 South, and that they seemed to be fighting. According to a police booking affidavit, Nelson then doused the man in a liquid and set him on fire with a lighter. The car also caught fire, according to the police.
According to the affidavit, video footage from the petrol station shows the man running about with his clothes burning. He also sustained burns to his head, back, and extremities and was unable to speak to the authorities.
According to the affidavit, the video also demonstrates that Nelson fled the scene and did nothing to assist the victim after he was set on fire.
Before firefighters arrived to assist, the car fire was put out by someone using a fire extinguisher.
Nelson was apprehended by police when they followed her to a nearby hotel. According to the affidavit, a fire accelerant dog discovered an accelerant on a dress in the hotel room that witnesses had identified as the woman’s garment.
According to authorities, Nelson acknowledged that she and her partner had a disagreement, but she would not elaborate.
