In a shocking incident that has left the Charleston community reeling, a South Carolina woman reported a terrifying encounter with her ex-boyfriend, who allegedly attacked her while armed with a knife and wearing only her underwear as a mask. The incident occurred on May 2, 2025, when Haley Legggin returned home after a night out with friends and unexpectedly found Jackson Arnold, her former partner, hiding in her shower.
According to court documents and local news reports, Legggin had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Arnold. Following their recent breakup, Arnold allegedly became increasingly obsessed with Legggin, stalking her to her workplace as a nanny and tracking her whereabouts. On the night of the incident, Legggin entered her home, believing everything to be normal until she was confronted by Arnold, who was completely naked except for the makeshift mask fashioned from her underwear.
As Arnold brandished a knife, he reportedly threatened Legggin by mimicking a throat-slicing motion. In a desperate act of self-defense, she managed to wrest the knife from his grasp, but Arnold then allegedly resorted to choking her. Legggin bravely fought back, removing the underwear mask and revealing Arnold’s identity. Realizing he had been unmasked, Arnold began to mumble incoherently, giving Legggin the chance to escape to her parents’ home nearby, where she called the police.
Upon his arrest, Arnold claimed the incident was merely a prank designed to lighten the mood. However, authorities charged him with multiple offenses, including first-degree burglary, assault, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Investigators believe Arnold had entered Legggin’s home through a detached garage and waited for her in the shower.
In addition to the criminal charges, Legggin has filed a civil lawsuit against Arnold, alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil assault and battery, and trespass. In her lawsuit, she asserts that Arnold’s actions were extreme and outrageous, causing her significant emotional trauma. The lawsuit emphasizes the severity of the situation, describing how Arnold’s conduct exceeded the bounds of decency and inflicted great distress.
Legal experts have weighed in on the case, questioning why attempted murder charges have not been filed, given the severity of Arnold’s actions. Former prosecutor Serena Townsend noted that typically, such charges are reserved for clear cases of intent to kill or significant physical injury. The absence of an attempted murder charge may suggest that prosecutors are focusing on charges they believe they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
The dynamic of the relationship between Legggin and Arnold raises concerns about the dangers that often accompany breakups, particularly in cases involving stalking or obsessive behavior. Townsend emphasized that the period following the end of a relationship can be one of the most perilous times for individuals, especially women.
As the criminal proceedings unfold, Legggin’s civil lawsuit is also making its way through the courts. Legal analysts suggest that the lack of a specified monetary demand in her lawsuit indicates a desire for accountability rather than financial gain. This approach may resonate with many who view the situation as more about seeking justice than a monetary settlement.
The case continues to develop, drawing attention to issues of domestic violence, stalking, and the psychological impact of such traumatic experiences. For now, the community watches closely as the legal system addresses this alarming incident that has shaken the foundations of trust and safety in personal relationships.
