MEMPHIS, TN – Authorities say a Memphis man orchestrated a terrifying attempt on his wife’s life by arranging to have her car set aflame while she was still inside, coaching the crime over the phone.
Travis Davison, 44, has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and attempted reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon in connection with the July 30 incident on the 800 block of South Second Street. Investigators allege Davison and a woman identified as his girlfriend, Jessica Rios, 39, directed an unnamed accomplice to target his wife’s car as she was seated inside.
According to the arrest affidavit, the plot unfolded late that Thursday night when Davison and Rios engaged in a call with the alleged arsonist. Investigators say gasoline was poured over the victim’s Chevrolet Camaro, after which the car was set on fire. The woman inside managed to escape without physical injury.
Cellphone video recorded by a neighbor captured the dramatic aftermath, showing the Camaro engulfed in flames as first responders arrived quickly at the scene. The witness, who did not want to be identified, said she and her daughter rushed to call 911 after hearing the commotion and noticing the fire.
The affidavit details that Davison, reportedly very loud during the phone call, gave the accomplice specific instructions as to which vehicle to target. Rios was also heard providing directions, referencing the “silver Camaro” parked on the street.
Police say multiple vehicles were involved in the coordinated attack. The suspect who executed the arson is described as having arrived in a silver SUV, accompanied by others in a BMW and a gold sedan. The group appeared to be communicating via Bluetooth phone calls through their vehicles’ audio systems.
Court records indicate the situation grew increasingly dangerous as the assailant poured gasoline along the length of the Camaro while Davison’s wife sat inside. Quickly realizing what was happening, she managed to crawl out the passenger side window just before the flames erupted.
Investigators noted that the suspect who started the fire made direct eye contact with the victim before fleeing with others in the group. According to statements provided to police, occupants of the other vehicles acknowledged seeing the woman but did not intervene to prevent the crime from occurring.
Davison’s wife, who told police that she had been married to him for nearly six years, said she recognized both her husband’s and Rios’s voices during the incident. She relayed that all the individuals involved seemed well aware of her presence in the car throughout the attack.
Authorities believe that had the woman hesitated in her escape, the consequences could have been fatal. Police continue to search for the individual who actually ignited the fire, saying that person has not yet been identified or detained.
Jessica Rios faces the same attempted murder charge as Davison. Both remain in custody as the investigation unfolds. No additional injuries were reported, and law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the unidentified accomplice to come forward.