Georgia Sleepover Prank Turns Tragic: 12-Year-Old Burned, Friends Face Charges

12-year-old recovering from second-degree burns in Georgia sleepover prank incident as community rallies for support.

Georgia Boys Face Charges After Sleepover Prank Leaves 12-Year-Old With Severe Burns

A sleepover in Tifton, Georgia, turned into a traumatic event for a 12-year-old boy after a group of his friends allegedly poured hot water on him as part of a prank, leaving him with second-degree burns. Police have charged three boys, aged 12 to 15, in connection with the incident. The victim's family has expressed shock and heartbreak over the betrayal and harm caused by people he trusted.

“You got to be in shock to know your friends are capable of doing this to you,” said the boy’s aunt, Nachelle Austille, in an interview with local NBC and ABC affiliate WALB. “Like somebody you trusted. It’s just horrible. He never thought something like this would happen to him.”

The Incident and Aftermath

According to Tiffany West, the boy’s mother, the incident occurred during a sleepover at a neighbor’s apartment in Tifton, approximately 180 miles south of Atlanta. While West has kept some details private, she revealed that the injuries left her son with severe burns across much of his face.

Hearing what happened to her son left West distraught.

"I mean, I really can’t describe it now,” she told WALB. “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.”

The boy was rushed to the burn center in Augusta, where he underwent surgery. Although he is now recovering at home, doctors estimate it will take 12–14 days for him to heal physically.

Legal and Emotional Challenges

Police confirmed that three boys involved in the incident have been charged and released to their families. The exact nature of the charges has not been disclosed. The boys are awaiting their first court hearing, which is expected to take place within the next month.

The victim’s family says the boy has been withdrawn since the incident.

“He just don’t have no emotions about it,” Austille shared. “He’s numb. He’s numb about it.”

Community Support and Family Gratitude

Tiffany West expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support her family has received. In a heartfelt Facebook post on January 3, she described her son as a “warrior” and thanked those who have offered prayers, donations, and encouragement.

"Words can’t describe how thankful I am for each & every one of you!” West wrote. “It brings tears to my eyes to know that SO many people care for me & my son, and we are not alone in this! … My son is a warrior, and he has been so strong! Every donation, gift, encouraging word, and prayer put a smile on my son’s face! Again, God bless you all!”

Stay updated on the latest developments in this case and learn how communities are uniting to support victims of senseless acts of harm.