Memphis Man Throws Boiling Water on Sleeping 14-Year-Old, Causing 3rd-Degree Burns

A Memphis man faces aggravated assault charges after allegedly pouring boiling water on a sleeping teen's face. The 14-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition with third-degree burns.

Boiling Water Attack on Teen in Memphis Apartment Lands Man in Jail

A 22-year-old Memphis man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly throwing boiling water onto the face of a sleeping 14-year-old boy, leaving the child with third-degree burns, Law & Crime reports.

Tyjuan Hassell was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail, where he is being held on $100,000 bond. Shelby County court records reviewed by Law & Crime confirm the charge.

The incident took place on Sept. 2 inside an apartment on Foote Lane in Memphis, not far from downtown. The teen had gone to the neighboring unit — next door to where his grandmother lived — and fell asleep on the couch while "hanging out," according to an affidavit of complaint.

While the boy slept, a man he referred to as "Zach" allegedly poured boiling hot water directly onto his face. The boy immediately ran to his grandmother's apartment, and authorities were contacted.

Officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to the scene. The grandmother told them her grandson said he had been attacked by a man in the adjacent unit. The boy provided a physical description of the suspect and later identified Hassell as the alleged attacker. The court document does not list a possible motive.

Memphis Fire Department personnel treated the teen at the scene for third-degree burns before transporting him to a nearby children's hospital. The affidavit states he was admitted in critical condition; his current status has not been confirmed.

Hassell is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, with a follow-up court appearance set for Monday.

Source: Law & Crime