MEMPHIS, TN — Travis Davison, 44, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after allegedly orchestrating an attempt on his wife’s life by getting an accomplice to set her Chevrolet Camaro on fire while she was sitting inside the vehicle.
According to police, Davison coached the fire setter over the phone, shouting “light that b— up!” as the act took place.
A Dangerous Plot Unfolds
The incident occurred on July 30, 2025, in the 800 block of South Second Street in Memphis. Authorities say that Davison, along with his extramarital girlfriend, Jessica Rios, 39, were communicating with the alleged fire starter — who has not yet been identified — as they watched and directed the actions over the phone.
The victim, Davison’s wife, was seated in her car when the accomplice allegedly poured gasoline on the vehicle and set it ablaze. A cellphone video captured by a neighbor showed the Camaro fully engulfed in flames, but fortunately, the wife managed to escape the vehicle unharmed.
The neighbor and her daughter were the first to respond and called 911, with the woman recalling hearing the victim mention her husband during the ordeal.
The Attack Unfolds
According to the arrest affidavit, Davison was heard loudly directing the accomplice to the Camaro while his wife was inside. Rios was also reportedly heard giving instructions to the accomplice.
The affidavit noted that Rios identified the vehicle as the “only silver Camaro on the street” and directed the accomplice to carry out the attack.
As the accomplice approached the vehicle in an SUV, several other vehicles, including a BMW and a gold sedan, were also involved in the incident.
Police say that the accomplice poured gasoline over the car from front to back while the wife remained inside. When she realized what was happening, she crawled out of the passenger window, narrowly escaping what could have been a deadly situation.
A Close Call
Had the victim not reacted quickly, police say, the consequences could have been far worse. The accomplice allegedly made eye contact with the wife before fleeing the scene, joining the other suspects.
According to the affidavit, the group seemed to be communicating via Bluetooth phone calls through their vehicles’ stereo systems. Despite seeing the wife attempting to escape, they continued with their actions, ultimately setting the car on fire.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Davison has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and attempted reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, while Jessica Rios is also facing charges of attempted murder. The couple had been married for nearly six years before this shocking incident occurred.
The authorities are continuing to investigate the identity of the accomplice and others involved in this alleged attempted murder. Both Davison and Rios are currently in custody, facing serious charges as the case progresses.
