UMVA has learned that a 30-year-old woman, Nicole Najlis, has been charged with attempted murder and arson after allegedly setting a vehicle on fire during a heated argument over prescription Xanax.
The incident occurred at a truck stop in Hesperia, California, where Najlis was traveling with several others, including James Bahr, a professional pyrotechnician who knew her through a mutual friend. The group had been on a road trip back to Las Vegas after visiting the San Diego area.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the argument began when Najlis repeatedly asked Bahr for Xanax, which he refused to give her. The dispute escalated, and Najlis allegedly punched Bahr in the head, forcing him to pull over at a petrol station.
As Bahr tried to remove Najlis's belongings from the vehicle, he noticed a strong smell of fuel and claims that Najlis then threw a match, setting the car on fire. Fortunately, the two sleeping passengers were woken by the commotion and managed to escape without injury.
The vehicle, a Honda Element, was destroyed in the fire, along with equipment and propane tanks used in professional fire effects work. One of the propane tanks exploded around 30 seconds after the blaze began, potentially putting the occupants and bystanders at risk of serious harm.
Najlis, who is known online as 'Cosmic Nymph' and has built a profile around artistic fire performances, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and arson. Her bail has been set at $1 million, and she is due to appear in court.
The allegations have sparked concern due to Najlis's public persona and previous encounters with law enforcement, which include allegations of assault, disorderly conduct, and traffic-related offenses. Bahr has described Najlis as 'a danger to society'.
The incident has left Bahr with significant financial losses, estimating the total damage at roughly $12,000. He has since launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs, as he did not have comprehensive insurance.
