URGENT UPDATE: A 46-year-old woman is in critical condition after a shocking acid attack in Forsyth Park, Savannah, on the evening of December 13, 2023. Authorities are actively searching for the assailant who poured a corrosive substance over her head as she walked through the park.
Ashley Wasielewski had just finished attending a Christmas program at a local church when the attack occurred around 8:16 PM. According to her devastated family, a stranger approached her and doused her with acid, leading to excruciating burns and a desperate scream.
The corrosive liquid burned through Ashley’s clothing and severely injured her skin. In a horrifying detail, her car key fob melted in her pocket due to the chemical exposure. Ashley’s friend recounted her immediate confusion, stating, “She was instantly like: ‘Why are you pouring water on me?’ And then her skin started to burn.”
As the attack progressed, Ashley realized her clothing was disintegrating, prompting her to scream in agony. “They didn’t rob her. They didn’t take anything from her. This was a random person in the park who went out of their way to disfigure another human being,” her friend added, highlighting the senselessness of the violence.
Ashley, known for her charitable work with the homeless, was rushed to the Augusta Burn Center, where she is being treated for severe second- and third-degree burns affecting half of her body, including her face, scalp, hands, and legs. Her son Westley confirmed her condition and expressed disbelief, stating, “We don’t know who did it. She doesn’t have any enemies. She is a friend to everyone.”
Local law enforcement is collaborating with the FBI to locate the attacker. Enhanced patrols have been deployed at city parks to ensure public safety as the investigation unfolds. Police have released CCTV images showing the suspect wearing blue jeans, a dark hooded sweatshirt, and a white cartoon rabbit mask.
“Our Police Department is treating this case with the highest urgency,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. “While this attack is deeply troubling, there is currently no information indicating a broader or ongoing threat to the public.”
As police continue their search for the assailant, the community is left in shock. The brutality of this act highlights a growing concern for public safety in local parks. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity as the investigation progresses. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and local officials remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of violence in everyday life. The community is rallying around Ashley and her family, hoping for a swift recovery and justice for this horrific act.
