A 25-year-old man set on fire during a domestic dispute Friday in Estate Paradise died Tuesday from injuries sustained, according to St. Croix Police.
The initial police report stated that the victim, James Gaston, had been arguing with his 31-year-old girlfriend, Donna J. Webbe, for some time and that she threatened to set his clothes on fire.
Webbe allegedly had a container of gasoline and a lighter, and when the victim attempted to grab the container, he was splashed with gasoline. Webbe admitted to striking the lighter and starting the fire.
Webbe was arrested Friday and charged with arson and second-degree assault domestic violence. According to detectives, those charges will be upgraded to murder.
Webbe remains incarcerated following her advice of rights hearing on Monday, at which time her bail was set at $50,000. She was unable to post that bail and was remanded to Golden Grove Correctional Facility.
According to a TV2 news report, Gaston died in Puerto Rico, where he had been airlifted to in order treat his burns.
Domestic Violence Unit detectives continue to investigate this case and interview witnesses.
Gaston’s death is the 34th homicide in the territory this year; the 24th on St. Croix.
