© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tonawanda man indicted for setting his former girlfriend on fire

The Erie County District Attorney's Office has charged a City of Tonawanda man with attempted murder and assault after allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend on fire last month.

Jonathon E. White, 28, was arraigned Thursday at Erie County Medical Center, where he is recovering from burns sustained in the attack.

Authorities allege that at about 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, White lured his former girlfriend, Jessica Cameron, to a secluded area outside the Tonawanda restaurant where she worked. They say he doused Cameron with an accelerant, then lit her on fire.

Erie County D.A. John Flynn said she suffered extensive burns to her face, head and hands, has undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized at ECMC in the Burn Unit.

White accidentally burned himself in the attack, but Flynn said his injuries were less severe. White remains hospitalized under guard by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

White is scheduled to return for a motion argument on Feb. 13. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Related Content