TIFTON, Ga. – A 12-year-old boy from Georgia is on the road to recovery after a frightening and painful experience that left him with severe burns. According to the Tifton Police Department, what started as a so-called “prank” by three of his friends turned into a nightmare.
The incident took place in Tifton, a quiet town, where the boy had spent the night at a neighbor’s apartment for a sleepover. The kids were playing video games and hanging out, just like any group of friends would. But things took a shocking turn when, while the boy was asleep, one of the other children poured scalding hot water on him.
The boy suffered second-degree burns, primarily on his face, and had to be rushed to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta for surgery. His mother, Tiffany West, said the moment she found out was a blur of emotions. “I was mad, hurt, in shock—all at once,” she shared. “I was just focused on getting him help as fast as I could.”
Now back home, the boy is in recovery, but it’s a long process. Doctors estimate it will take 12 to 14 days for his burns to heal physically, but his family says the emotional scars may take much longer. His aunt, Nachelle, expressed heartbreak over the betrayal of trust. “These were his friends, people he trusted. To have them do something like this—it’s just horrible,” she said.
The three boys involved, who are between 12 and 15 years old, are now facing serious legal consequences. They’ve been released to their families but are waiting for a court hearing scheduled for about a month from now.
The victim’s family is not only seeking justice but also grappling with the challenges ahead. With Tiffany West and the boy’s father unable to work due to his care and the travel involved, they are under financial strain. Nachelle explained, “She needs to be here for him while he’s healing. And mentally, he’s going to need counseling to trust people again.”
This heartbreaking incident has left the family shaken but determined to support their son through his recovery. They hope sharing his story will raise awareness and prevent something like this from happening to anyone else.