Trial Begins For Man Accused of Scalding Gay Couple

ATLANTA, GA — Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a man accused of throwing boiling hot water onto two gay men began Monday.

Martin Blackwell has been indicted on eight counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault.

On February 12, 2016, Blackwell allegedly took boiling hot water into the room of his girlfriend’s son, who was asleep with his boyfriend. Then, the defendant allegedly threw the scalding hot water upon the two victims.

Both Anthony Gooden Jr. and Marquez Tolbert suffered second and third degree burns.

• See also: Man Accused of Scalding Gay Couple Refuses Plea, Will Go To Trial

If convicted, Blackwell could receive a sentence to serve up to 80 years in prison.

Gooden and Tolbert have undergone several extensive surgeries and treatments since the attack.

At the time, Blackwell was the boyfriend of Gooden's mother, Kim Foster.

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