BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Jury deliberations are now underway in the arson attack case against Jonathon White.
White's ex-girlfriend, 25-year-old Jessica Cameron, was doused in gasoline and set on fire on December 17, 2018 in the parking lot of the Tim Hortons where she worked in the City of Tonawanda. Police said before the attack, White contacted Cameron and asked her to come outside to talk.
On Thursday, Cameron took the stand to describe the attack. Cameron suffered severe burns to her face, hands and chest. She endured 12 surgeries. White also testified on Thursday, as the defense's only witness. He told the court he was suicidal the day of the attack, and that he didn't know how Cameron caught fire.
During closing arguments Friday morning, defense attorney John Terranova built off this testimony, reminding jurors to consider White's intent during the incident.
Defense atty. Terranova tells jurors they have to consider was it White’s “intent” to seriously injure Cameron. @WKBW
— eileen buckley (@eileenwkbw) October 25, 2019
The prosecutor, Ryan Haggerty, argued in his closing statement that White intended to light Cameron on fire.
Prosecutor Ryan Haggerty now delivering final statement. This was “not an accident- this was an ambush”. @WKBW
— eileen buckley (@eileenwkbw) October 25, 2019
Prosecutor Haggerty saying White’s actions were “intent to cause someone’s death”. @WKBW
— eileen buckley (@eileenwkbw) October 25, 2019
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence or abuse, help is available.
Resources:
- Erie County 24/7 Hotline: 716-862-4357
- Shelter Hotline: 716-884-6000
- National Hotline: 800-799-7233
