A quiet evening walk home turned into a nightmare for a Savannah woman whose life was forever changed within seconds.
According to Fox News, just after sunset on Dec. 10, 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski was approaching her home near Forsyth Park when police say a man came up behind her and doused her with acid.
Authorities have called the assault “unprovoked,” and the impact was immediate and catastrophic.
When officers arrived, they found Wasielewski severely burned, her clothing melted from the chemical exposure. Even her car keys had disintegrated. Witnesses described her screams as horrifying, echoing through the historic district.
Her son, Westley Wasielewski, said no one in the family can make sense of what happened.
“We don’t know who did it,” he told The Associated Press. “She doesn’t have any enemies. She is a friend to everyone.”
More than half of her body was burned in the attack, leaving her facing months — if not years — of medical treatment, including skin grafts and specialized burn care. A verified GoFundMe page set up on her behalf said she has stabilized, but her recovery will be long and painful.
As investigators search for answers, the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said Tuesday that authorities have identified and interviewed a “person of interest” tied to a widely circulated image following the assault. The man, wearing a hoodie with a Bugs Bunny design, came forward voluntarily.
Johnson emphasized that the individual is not in custody and has not been named a suspect.
The Savannah Police Department continues combing the area for video evidence while detectives work around the clock following leads, reviewing footage, and speaking with witnesses. Police Chief Lenny Gunther said investigators do not believe the assault is part of a pattern or that the public is in additional danger.
Still, the attack has rattled residents and prompted increased patrols in city parks.
“Let me be clear: This kind of violence has no place in Savannah,” Johnson said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information — or photos and video from the area — to come forward. The Savannah Police Department can be reached at 912-234-2020. The FBI tip line is 1-800-225-5324.
