Class rallies around woman set on fire in Kinston

Police say 24-year-old Khloe McNeal was driving Monday morning and stopped on East Street. A man approached her vehicle, threw liquid on her and set her on fire.

She was first taken to UNC Lenoir Hospital in Kinston and then airlifted to the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where she continues to receive treatment.

Man who set woman on fire in Kinston has criminal record dating back to 1995

McNeal is a student in Lenoir Community College's cosmetology program.

“Our cosmetology department is a very close-knit family,” instructor Christy Riley said. “All these girls are like my children. We spend a lot of time together -- 28 hours a week. So, when something happens like this, we all pull together.”

Marissa Cooper, one of McNeal’s classmates, created an online fundraising campaign that continues to surpass its goals.

“I started out with $200,” Cooper said Wednesday. “I hit that yesterday. Raised it to $400, hit it again yesterday. I raised it to $600, hit that this morning.”

Cooper said the money will go toward medical bills and travel for McNeal’s family members, some of whom live out of state.

“Khloe is a very strong person,” Cooper said. “She is very, very strong.”

The attack has hit the program hard. Counselors have come in to speak with students.

A suspect, 41-year-old Venice Taylor, is in custody.

Police believe the two did not know each other.

“Just knowing something like that happens makes me double-check that my doors are always locked,” Cooper said.

Cooper said that McNeal is set to graduate from the cosmetology program in May but that she is already an expert.

“She’s always there to help, showing us what products to use, what way to use them, things like that,” she said.

Cooper and Riley look forward to one day welcoming her back.

“She’s fighting,” Cooper said, “and, excuse my language, but she’s fighting like hell.”