Neighbors in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, reported an unsettling scene outside a small camper early Tuesday morning.
Several described hearing raised voices, followed by a sharp metallic clang — as if a fuel can had been slammed against the ground. One neighbor told deputies that a strong smell of gasoline lingered in the air long before authorities were called, fueling speculation that the attack may have been premeditated.
Authorities say 39-year-old Christopher Medula has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and arson, after allegedly setting his grandmother on fire.
According to WRCB, an affidavit states that a witness confronted Medula and detained him until deputies arrived. Investigators say the victim was soaked in gasoline and ignited with a lighter, sustaining burns to roughly 70 percent of her body. She was airlifted to a Nashville hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses reported harrowing details of the attack. Medula allegedly told the witness he “had to do it” because he believed his grandmother was “the devil.” Deputies found the woman still conscious at the scene, struggling to breathe through severe burns.
“She said, ‘Chris did it. He poured gas on me. He’s lost his mind,’” officers reported. The witness saw Medula holding the camper door shut as the victim tried desperately to escape. By the time deputies reached the scene, she had collapsed outside.
The victim is currently at Tristar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, where reports indicate she has been removed from life support.
✅ Conclusion
The brutal attack has left the Soddy-Daisy community reeling, raising urgent questions about Medula’s mental state and whether warning signs were overlooked. As authorities continue investigating the events leading up to the assault, the family faces a devastating period of uncertainty, clinging to hope while grappling with the possibility of permanent loss.