PHOENIX, Ariz. — A 24-year-old man was arrested for allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend on fire, resulting in severe injuries that required extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries and skin grafts. The incident reportedly occurred outside the woman’s apartment following a tumultuous breakup.
Angel Anthony Nahle was taken into custody on August 18, nearly three months after the May 25 attack. Police detailed that the confrontation escalated after the woman ended her relationship with Nahle on May 24. Authorities allege Nahle bombarded her with calls and texts throughout the night, growing increasingly aggressive when she did not respond. According to police reports, their interaction reached a boiling point during a FaceTime call around 4 a.m. the following day, during which Nahle threatened her with physical harm and claimed to possess gasoline in a water bottle.
Fearing for her safety after spotting Nahle near her vehicle, the woman initially sought refuge in her sister’s apartment. However, she eventually stepped outside to diffuse the tension. It was during this encounter that, after a threatening exchange, Nahle allegedly splashed gasoline on her and ignited it, resulting in severe burns.
The woman was hospitalized with third-degree burns and required significant medical interventions. Reports indicate that she initially concealed the true nature of her injuries from healthcare providers, following Nahle’s suggestion to claim she had been involved in a vehicle fire instead of revealing his role. During her recovery, she reported that Nahle remained close by, a move she believed was intended to prevent her from discussing the incident.
The woman did not report the attack to law enforcement until August 4, more than two months after the event. She later explained that fear of retaliation had deterred her from coming forward sooner. Following her report, investigators received text messages that Nahle had sent, which included references to the burning incident and threats of further violence, adding to the evidence against him.
In addition to documented texts, police obtained a recording of a conversation in which Nahle acknowledged his intent to cause harm. During this exchange, he revealed that he had contemplated other forms of violence before deciding to use gasoline. This recording provided additional context and evidence separate from the woman’s account of the events.
Three days after the recording was made, authorities located Nahle at his workplace in Tempe. He was arrested and subsequently declined to answer inquiries from investigators. Public records revealed that Nahle had previous convictions related to domestic violence, raising further concerns about his history and behavior.
Nahle was formally charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault, stalking, and domestic violence. Initial court filings indicated that he was held on a bond set at $400,000. The case is ongoing, and Nahle is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The timeline between the alleged assault and the woman’s report to police has become a critical aspect of the investigation. Detectives have emphasized that her continued contact with Nahle, as well as her delayed report, stemmed from her fear of him. As the case progresses, the circumstances surrounding the attack, the nature of the woman’s injuries, and the evidence gathered will all play a crucial role in determining the outcome. As of late September, a resolution to the case remains pending.