A New Jersey woman, Taija Russell, has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a man's home in a shocking and violent revenge attack. According to authorities, the incident began when the victim sent Russell a text message with explicit demands, only to be rejected and left hanging up on the phone.
In a bizarre twist, Russell allegedly called the victim eight times before sending a chilling text that seemed to accuse him of wasting her time, even accusing him of wanting her to die. The message was seen as a stark escalation in an already volatile situation.
Russell's actions took a dark turn when she went to a gas station in Woodbury, New Jersey, and purchased flammable materials, which she then used to set the man's house ablaze. The victim, who escaped through a window after suffering burns and smoke inhalation, was rushed to the hospital where he received treatment.
Firefighters were able to rescue the victim's dog, but the damage was extensive - the man's home and all its contents were destroyed in the blaze. Initially, Russell faced charges of attempted murder, but as part of a plea deal, authorities agreed to recommend an eight-year prison sentence.
Russell participated in a video courtroom appearance on Friday, accompanied by her infant child, who she had given birth to while awaiting trial. The case highlights how long it can take for justice to be served, with the incident occurring over six years ago.
In a bizarre twist, Russell allegedly called the victim eight times before sending a chilling text that seemed to accuse him of wasting her time, even accusing him of wanting her to die. The message was seen as a stark escalation in an already volatile situation.
Russell's actions took a dark turn when she went to a gas station in Woodbury, New Jersey, and purchased flammable materials, which she then used to set the man's house ablaze. The victim, who escaped through a window after suffering burns and smoke inhalation, was rushed to the hospital where he received treatment.
Firefighters were able to rescue the victim's dog, but the damage was extensive - the man's home and all its contents were destroyed in the blaze. Initially, Russell faced charges of attempted murder, but as part of a plea deal, authorities agreed to recommend an eight-year prison sentence.
Russell participated in a video courtroom appearance on Friday, accompanied by her infant child, who she had given birth to while awaiting trial. The case highlights how long it can take for justice to be served, with the incident occurring over six years ago.
. It's crazy how long this whole thing took to get resolved, like 6 years? That's just insane. And now she's gonna do 8 years in prison... not sure if that's enough, but I guess it's better than nothing 
. Anyway, glad the victim is okay (sort of), and good for him getting his dog back 
.
what was she thinking?! setting fire to someone's house and almost killing them? that's just so messed up 
and now she gets 8 yrs in prison which is still not enough tbh, i think she should get more for the severity of the crime. and poor guy who got attacked, he's lucky to be alive 
. But eight times calling him before sending that chilling text? That's just insane 
. I mean, I know justice takes time, but come on! Six years is a long time to wait for someone to get their act together and not hurt anyone. It just goes to show how messed up the system can be sometimes 
This is not a revenge attack on her, it's a cry for help. Maybe if society didn't glorify toxic relationships and online harassment, this wouldn't have happened.