A St. Petersburg woman who was doused in gasoline and set on fire last July is expected to be released from the hospital soon, according to her family.

  • Sheron Pasco, 38, has been in the hospital since July 5, 2016
  • Man who set Pasco on fire set for pre-trial hearing next month
  • Pasco's five children expected to return home after school ends

Sheron Pasco, 38, has been in the hospital since the horrific incident took place at a St. Petersburg home located at 2800 24th Ave. S., on July 5, 2016. Police said the incident followed an argument between Pasco and her then-boyfriend, John Riggins.

“She suffered 65 percent, third degree burns, over her entire body,” said the victim’s mom, Tranda Webb, 62. “At that time, the doctors gave her 30 hours to live.”

Riggins, 38, was arrested for attempted first degree murder and arson in the first degree. He is being held in the Pinellas Jail on a $1.5 million bond, and has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for next month.

“It’s just so hard,” Webb said. “I don’t know why he would do something like this.”

Pasco has five children under the age of 12, who have been living with their biological dad in Alabama. They're expected to return in May once school gets out.

Webb and her husband, Tony Young, 54, said they spent their limited funds renting a four-bedroom home in Port Richey that’s big enough to accommodate the entire family.

“We’ve exhausted everything that we have,” Young said. “We got into this house and by the grace of God we were blessed to be able to get here.”

The family said they rented the furniture in the home, and it must be returned soon. Webb said they need help getting two bunk beds and a queen bed.

“They leased the beds for us, but we can’t afford to pay for it. I’m on disability, social security disability and so is my husband,” she said. “We’re on a fixed income and we just can’t afford to keep paying for the furniture.”

Webb said her daughter should be coming home any day. Pasco was scheduled to be released from the hospital earlier this month but came down with pneumonia.

Webb said her daughter was devastated when she saw herself in the mirror.

“The first time that she saw herself was not that long ago and she just cried,” said Webb. “She doesn’t have any way to make a living. No way to take care of her children.”

Young said it hurts him to see his stepdaughter suffering, and wants to be able to care for Pasco correctly at home.

“We’re asking for any type of help. We’re just in need,” he said. “I just pray that those people come forward.”

The family is providing a phone number and email address for anyone who wants to help: (727)459-1002 or trandawebb2821@gmail.com.