On August 2, 2022, the Arlington Police Department was notified that the victim of a recent domestic violence incident who was set on fire and severely burned died from his injuries. As a result, the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 18, 2022. At approximately 9:09 p.m., APD officers responded to a gas station in the 1900 block of E. Mayfield Road after receiving multiple 911 calls that a man was on fire.
By the time first responders arrived on scene, bystanders had already put out the fire using extinguishers. The victim, a 25-year-old male, suffered burns across most of his body and was critically injured.
After speaking to witnesses and reviewing video evidence, officers learned the victim arrived at the gas station in a Jeep with his girlfriend, 24-year-old Breana Johnson – and the two of them began arguing. Investigators believe Ms. Johnson then pumped gasoline into the backseat of the Jeep where the victim was sitting and intentionally ignited it, causing the victim to catch fire. After the victim exited the vehicle, Ms. Johnson got back into the Jeep and drove away from the scene.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Ms. Johnson’s arrest on one count of Aggravated Assault at that time. She was taken into custody on July 19, 2022. With this latest development, her charge will be upgraded to Murder. She is currently being held at the Tarrant County Jail.
Because the victim was pronounced deceased at a hospital in Collin County, the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify him.
