Woman Pleads Guilty To Arson After Failed Booty Call, Faces 8 Years

Taija Russell pleaded guilty on Friday to aggravated arson after setting fire to a man’s apartment when he failed to answer the door for a sexual encounter. Russell had texted Curtis Stokes “hello,” and he responded “Bring ya ass.” When Stokes fell asleep and didn’t respond at his Woodbury home, Russell texted threats including “U smoked,” “I see you wanna die,” and “I swear to god I hope you die.” She then bought lighter fluid, matches, and a cigarette lighter at a Conoco station before returning to set fire outside Stokes’s sole apartment exit. Stokes suffered first and second degree burns escaping through a window and was treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Under her plea deal, prosecutors will recommend an eight-year prison sentence. She will be sentenced January 9th, with attempted murder and other charges dismissed. (Story URL)