TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - A 12-year-old boy from Tifton is recovering from severe burns, after police say three of his friends dumped scalding water on him. According to the boys, this was supposed to be a prank. Now, all three boys, ages 12-15, are facing serious charges.

The boy now has 2nd degree burns on most of his face. His mother wants to keep his identity hidden, but still wants to share his story.

“I mean, I really can’t describe it now. In that moment I was just mad, hurt, in shock. Everything, I was seeing red. I was just trying to hurry up and get him some help,” said the victim’s mother, Tiffany.

Tiffany West says her son was in a neighbor’s apartment after a sleepover, with other kids playing video games. The victim’s mother says he was asleep when one boy threw the hot water on him.

“He was transported to the burn center in Augusta. He had to have surgery. Of course, he is out of surgery and is recovering at home, now. But it is going to take him 12-14 days to heal,” continued Tiffany.

“You got to be in shock to know your friends are capable of doing this to you. Like somebody you trusted, it’s just horrible. He never thought something like this would happen to him,” said the victim’s aunt, Nachelle.

The victim’s family is desperately seeking justice. Between recovery and paying the bills, they know they have a long road ahead of them.

“My brother and Tiffany have been out of work since this happened with all the traveling. She is still gonna be out of work to take care of him while he is recovering. She needs to be here for him. Mentally, he is gonna have to get counseling to be able to trust people again,” continued Nachelle.

According to the victim’s family, the other three boys were released to their families and are awaiting their hearing which will take place in about a month.

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