A Tennessee woman died after being set on fire inside her camper, and authorities say a neighbor detained the suspected attacker until deputies arrived.
On Nov. 11, 58-year-old Angela Palacio was airlifted from her home in Soddy Daisy — about 20 miles north of Chattanooga — but succumbed to her injuries shortly after reaching a Nashville hospital.
Responding deputies found Palacio in the driveway, wrapped in a blanket because her clothing had burned away, according to an affidavit of complaint. Despite suffering what were described as “severe burns…on nearly 100% of her body,” she was conscious and able to identify the alleged attacker, telling deputies between labored breaths: “Chris did it.” She also stated that he “poured gas on me” and that “he’s lost it.”
Authorities didn’t have to search far. Palacio’s neighbor, Steve Ellis, was nearby holding 39-year-old Christopher Medula at gunpoint.
Ellis had been inside his camper when he reportedly heard screams. He drove closer and saw Medula on the patio of Palacio’s camper as she tried to escape. When confronted, Medula allegedly ran. As Ellis approached, he saw smoke and found Palacio engulfed in flames. After helping her get out, he chased down Medula, who was attempting to hide behind a tree, and kept him from fleeing.
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Before deputies arrived, Medula allegedly made several disturbing comments, including: “I had to do it,” “she was poisoning the world,” “she’s the devil,” and “I’m Jesus,” according to the affidavit.
Deputy Aaron Cameron later said that after Medula was given a Miranda warning, he admitted he used a BIC lighter to ignite the victim after pouring gasoline on her. During a later interview, Medula also allegedly confessed to holding the camper door shut so she couldn’t escape the flames.
Medula was initially charged with attempted murder, but because Palacio later died, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charge will be upgraded to first-degree murder.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive. According to the affidavit, Palacio told deputies that she and Medula were “friends.”
Court records show Medula has a long history of violent offenses dating back 20 years, including assault, domestic assault, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. His previous sentences — including a recent 11-month sentence for aggravated criminal trespass — were suspended, allowing him to avoid serving time behind bars.
