A Virginia woman, previously out on bond for a violent assault, now faces murder charges after allegedly setting another woman on fire, according to local law enforcement. Savannah Adams, 28, is accused of the fatal attack on Tiffany Dunford, a resident of Wythe County. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday, Nov. 17, in a structure on Dunford’s property in Max Meadows.
Local news footage revealed the charred remnants of Dunford’s couch, where she was reportedly sitting when Adams allegedly doused her in gasoline and ignited the fire. The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting the incident, leading deputies to find Dunford critically injured.
Upon their arrival, deputies found Dunford suffering from severe burns covering most of her body. She was airlifted to a specialized medical facility for treatment. Adams, who was acquainted with Dunford through mutual friends and family, allegedly fled the scene in a silver 2004 Dodge Neon.
The sheriff’s office identified Adams’ vehicle and posted a photo of her on Facebook. She was apprehended early Monday and initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and felonious assault. However, after Dunford succumbed to her injuries later that day, Adams’ charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.
Dunford’s cousin, Nancy Reyna, spoke to local media about the tragedy. “Tiffany could light up a room. Regardless of whether she was right or wrong, she was loved and didn’t deserve this,” Reyna said. “This is devastating to me and my family.”
According to local reports, several of Dunford’s relatives claimed that Adams had allegedly hacked into a family member’s Facebook account and was sending messages from it. The relationship between the hacked family member and Dunford remains unclear.
Adams’ criminal history is extensive, according to the Bristol Herald Courier. She was due to stand trial in Pulaski County on a misdemeanor destruction of property charge from July 8. Additionally, she was out on bond for an alleged 2023 assault involving a metal pipe. Adams is currently being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail.