The evening began like any other for Ashley Wasielewski, a woman known for her unwavering faith and selfless dedication to helping others. Returning from a Christmas gathering at her Savannah church, she walked through the park, unaware that her life was about to be irrevocably altered by a brutal, unprovoked attack.
Without warning, a figure approached from behind and unleashed a horrifying assault, drenching Ashley in a corrosive liquid. The substance burned through her clothing, instantly searing her skin. Her initial reaction was confusion – a desperate question of why someone would pour water on her, quickly replaced by the agonizing realization that it was something far more sinister.
The liquid’s power was terrifying. It melted not only her clothes but even her car key fob, a chilling testament to its destructive force. As her trousers began to disintegrate, Ashley’s screams pierced the night, reaching her son, Westley, who desperately tried to comprehend the unfolding horror over the phone.
“She doesn’t have any enemies,” Westley stated, his voice filled with disbelief and anguish. “She is a friend to everyone.” Ashley is now hospitalized, battling second and third-degree burns covering a significant portion of her body – her face, scalp, hands, and legs bearing the brunt of the attack.
Law enforcement has launched a full-scale investigation, including the FBI, desperately seeking the perpetrator. Investigators have released images of a “person of interest” captured on CCTV – a hooded individual wearing a distinctive top emblazoned with a cartoon rabbit.
Police Chief Lenny Gunther assured the public that detectives are working tirelessly, but details remain scarce. The city of Savannah is on edge, with increased patrols deployed to reassure residents, though authorities currently believe this was an isolated incident.
The attack echoes a similar act of violence that unfolded in Newcastle, where Robbie Scott subjected Paul Laskey to a horrific acid attack after a robbery targeting Laskey’s son. Scott, now incarcerated, has shockingly continued to boast about his crimes through rap videos posted online, displaying a chilling lack of remorse.
Laskey, who lost sight in one eye as a result of Scott’s attack, expressed his outrage at the brazen display, highlighting the devastating and lasting consequences of such acts of violence. These cases serve as stark reminders of the vulnerability of innocent individuals and the enduring pain inflicted by senseless brutality.
