Three boys, aged 12 to 15, are facing charges after a sleepover prank left their 12-year-old friend with severe burns. The boys allegedly poured scalding hot water on the victim’s face while he slept, resulting in second-degree burns that required surgery.
The incident occurred in Tifton, Georgia, and the victim’s mother, Tiffany, described her son as being “in shock” and struggling to recover. The boy was transported 200 miles to a burn center in Augusta, where he underwent surgery. His recovery is expected to take 12-14 days, but the emotional toll may take longer, with counseling needed to rebuild trust.
The parents, burdened by travel and medical costs, have reportedly lost their jobs. The three boys involved were taken into custody and released, with a hearing scheduled for next month.
This tragic case highlights how pranks can have devastating consequences, echoing other incidents like the 2021 de ath of Conner Groom, who suffered a fatal spinal injury during a similar “prank.”