Burned Convenience Store Clerk Still Fighting For Life
GARLAND (CBSDFW.COM) - For a fourth straight day, Nancy Harris is in the hospital fighting for her life.
Meanwhile Matthew Lee Johnson, the man accused of robbing Harris and setting her on fire, was in court today.
But Johnson's appearance before District Judge Andy Chatham had nothing to do with the Harris' case.
Johnson was already facing a theft charge from last November--accused of stealing state inspection stickers and cash from an auto repair shop.
Court records show Johnson has a long list of charges involving theft, robbery and evading arrest dating back to 1993.
Now attempted capital murder has been added to that list after Garland police say Johnson robbed the 76-year-old Harris, doused her with a flammable liquid and set her on fire while she worked at the "Fina Whip In" gas station.
Customers and neighbors like Linda Faulkner want justice.
"Put him in prison and throw the key down the toilet," said Faulkner.
"It's very outrageous. A grandmother working, she has to work to make ends meet. Yes I'm very outraged there," explained Faulkner.
Keith Kirby is a regular at the convenience store and considers Harris a friend.
"Whatever they do to him it won't be near enough," said Kirby. "He should get the same treatment that he did to this lady as far as I'm concerned."
Now students at South Garland High School are also pitching in--planning a car wash to raise money for Harris as she recovers.
17-year-old Andrew Slough is a student at South Garland and says raising funds to help Harris is the right thing to do.
"That's a great idea to pay for her hospital bills because she's going to need money and the help."
The car wash is Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Fina gas station at Broadway and Colonel in Garland.
Harris is recovering at Parkland Memorial Hospital where she is listed in critical condition with burns over 40% of her body.
An account has been set up for donations at Chase Bank to assist Harris. A donation can be made at any Chase Bank by telling the bank teller they want to donate to the Nancy J. Harris Donation Fund of Garland Texas.
