The Westmoreland pump attendant who allegedly doused a woman with a flammable substance before setting her on fire during an incident in February which was captured in a viral social media video is now facing a murder charge, the police have confirmed.
Collate Swaby, 30, was previously charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm
A statement from the police on Saturday said the upgraded charge was filed against Swaby following a post-mortem examination and a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on Thursday.
No details from the port-mortem were disclosed.
The victim in the alleged attack, businesswoman Dacia Forrester, 42, of Ancho district, in Whithorn, Westmoreland, succumbed to her injuries on March 6.
The police report that about mid-day on February 19 this year Forrester went to the petrol station where Swaby was employed and an argument developed between them.
The dispute reportedly escalated and it’s alleged that Swaby doused Forrester with a flammable substance then set her on fire.
Bystanders extinguished the fire and transported Forrester to the hospital.
