Woman Admits To Booty Call Arson Attack

OCTOBER 27--A New Jersey woman has pleaded guilty to the 4 AM torching of a man’s home after he fell asleep inside and stood her up on a booty call, records show.

In a court hearing Friday, Taija Russell, 35, copped to aggravated arson, a second degree felony. In a plea deal, prosecutors have agreed to recommend an eight-year prison term, of which Russell will be statutorily required to serve 85 percent (or more than six-and-a-half years).

Russell was indicted on five other charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault. As part of the deal, prosecutors will move to dismiss those counts when she is sentenced on January 9.

As detailed in court records, Russell (seen below) had traveled to the Woodbury home of victim Curtis Stokes, who told cops he “invited defendant to his residence to have sexual intercourse.” Stokes added that Russell was a “side chick” with whom he had been having sex.

The pair’s predawn communication had consisted of Russell texting Stokes “hello,” to which he romantically responded, “Bring ya ass.”

But by the time Russell arrived, Stokes had fallen asleep and did not respond to her at the door. Incensed, Russell sent a text complaining that, “You wasted my money to come out here.” Receiving no reply, Russell then texted a series of threats: “U smoked,” “I see you wanna die,” and “I swear to god I hope you die."

Russell then went to a Conoco gas station and purchased lighter fluid, matches, and a cigarette lighter. She returned to Stokes’s home and set a fire outside the rear apartment’s sole entrance/exit.

Stokes told police he awoke to the smell of smoke and was unable to leave via the door “as the fire was too intense.” Stokes, who suffered first and second degree burns, “forcefully removed an entire window frame” to escape. Wearing only a t-shirt and “covered head to toe in soot and ash,” he ran to the nearby police headquarters to report the blaze. He was later treated at a local hospital for burns and smoke inhalation.

The criminal case against Russell has, for unknown reasons, dragged on for more than six years. During that period of time, Russell gave birth to a child who could be seen with her during one video court appearance. (5 pages)