Attempted Murder Charge for Man Accused of Setting Girlfriend Ablaze

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — St. Petersburg Police have announced the arrest of a man in connection with July 5 burning of a 37-year-old woman.

According to police, John Martin Riggins, 37, was charged with attempted first-degree murder on Monday. Riggins allegedly set his girlfriend, Sheron K. Pasco, on fire around 8 p.m. July 5.

Riggins was accused in July of pouring the contents of a gas can on Pasco and lighting a flame. Pasco’s aunt reportedly put her into a tub to extinguish the fire.

Riggins fled the home in the 2800 block of 24th Avenue South after the incident, but was later caught by police.

Charges were pending the completion of the police department’s investigation.

Pasco remained in critical condition at a local hospital Monday, police said.

No further details are available.

Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Police Department