Travis Davison, 44, of Memphis, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly orchestrating an attempt on his wife’s life by having someone set her Chevrolet Camaro on fire while she was inside the vehicle. According to police, Davison allegedly encouraged the fire starter over the phone, telling them, “light that b— up!” as they carried out the act.
The Incident Unfolds on South Second Street
The incident occurred on the night of July 30 in the 800 block of South Second Street, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime. Police say Davison and his extramarital girlfriend, Jessica Rios, 39, were in communication with the alleged fire starter—who remains unidentified—while they poured gasoline on the Camaro and set it ablaze. The wife was able to escape the vehicle unharmed, and cellphone footage obtained by WREG shows the car engulfed in flames after she managed to flee.
Witnesses Speak Out
A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, described witnessing the aftermath of the event with her daughter. “My daughter and I jumped out of our car, and she was like, ‘somebody call 911,’” the witness said. “Police were here before the fire department, and I heard her saying something about her husband.”
Alleged Instructions and Communication During the Attack
According to the affidavit, Davison was “extremely loud” as he directed the accomplice to his wife’s vehicle, where she was seated. Rios also allegedly gave instructions to the fire starter, reportedly saying, “the silver Camaro” — which was the “only silver Camaro on the street.” The accomplice, who arrived in an SUV with others in a BMW and a “gold sedan,” allegedly poured gasoline on the car while the wife remained inside.
Quick Escape Saved the Victim’s Life
The wife reportedly realized her car was being set on fire and quickly crawled out of the passenger window to escape. Police say that if she hadn’t acted fast, she could have been killed. The accomplice allegedly made eye contact with the victim before fleeing with the other individuals involved. The victim mentioned that it seemed the group communicated via Bluetooth through their vehicles’ stereo systems.
Charges Against Davison and Rios
Davison, who had been married to the victim for nearly six years, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and attempted reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Rios has also been charged with attempted murder. The investigation into the incident continues.
