A 14-year-old boy woke up screaming after an older neighbor allegedly hurled boiling water onto his face as he slept on a couch in Memphis, Tennessee, authorities said.
The teen was taken to a nearby children's hospital where he was listed in critical condition with third-degree burns covering his face and neck, according to a Shelby County affidavit of complaint obtained by Law&Crime. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyjuan Hassell, has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with the incident.
Background
The attack occurred Sept. 2 at an apartment on Foote Lane near downtown Memphis, investigators said. The boy had been "hanging out" at the residence next door to where his grandmother lived, according to the affidavit. He fell asleep on a couch while inside the apartment that Hassell reportedly occupied.
When the teen woke up screaming, he ran to his grandmother's nearby apartment and told her what happened. She immediately called authorities. Officers with the Memphis Police Department responded and spoke with both the victim and his grandmother, who said her grandson had been "attacked" by a man from next door.
The Investigation
The boy provided police with a description of the person responsible and later identified Hassell as the alleged culprit, court documents show. Firefighters with the Memphis Fire Department arrived on scene and treated the teen for third-degree burns before he was transported to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in critical condition.
Hassell was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail. Court records indicate his bond has been set at $100,000. The affidavit does not state a possible motive for the alleged attack. His current condition or relationship to the victim beyond neighborly acquaintance remains unclear from available court documents.
Key Takeaways
- Tyjuan Hassell, 22, has been charged with aggravated assault in Shelby County
- The teen suffered third-degree burns and was listed in critical condition at a children's hospital
- The boy told investigators he was sleeping on a couch when the suspect allegedly threw boiling water on his face
- Police say the victim later identified Hassell as the alleged perpetrator
What's Next
Hassell is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Shelby County court, where formal charges will be presented. He is also expected to appear for additional proceedings early next week.
The boy's current medical condition has not been released since his initial hospitalization last week.