Man indicted in murder by fire of Golden Corral worker

Darryl Whipple attacked girlfriend inside restaurant, police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in the death by fire of a Jacksonville Golden Corral worker, the State Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

A Duval County grand jury formally charged Darryl Whipple with first-degree murder and burglary with assault or battery in the November death of his girlfriend, Carol Demmons. 

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According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Demmons was working at the restaurant when she was doused with flammable fluid by Whipple, 58, who then ignited her with a lighter on Oct. 12.

Whipple pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and criminal mischief, but after Demmon died at UF Health Shands Hospital Burn Unit in Gainesville in November, Whipple's charge was upgraded to murder.