Man Accused of Scalding Gay Couple Refuses Plea, Will Go To Trial

ATLANTA, GA — The man accused of throwing scalding hot water onto a gay couple while they slept in his girlfriend's apartment has refused a plea deal, meaning he will go to trial.

Martin Blackwell is facing aggravated assault and battery charges after he allegedly threw the water onto Anthony Gooden Jr. and Marquez Tolbert earlier this year. He refused a plea deal earlier this week, reports 11 Alive.

Both Gooden and Tolbert suffered second- and third-degree burns over their bodies and have undergone several extensive surgeries and treatments since the attack.

At the time, Blackwell, who is facing two charges of aggravated battery, was the boyfriend of Gooden's mother, Kim Foster.

The incident took place at Foster's College Park apartment.

Gooden spent two weeks in a coma, while Tobert spent 10 days in the hospital. Gooden has two more years of recovery, and more than 1,800 people have made donations via a GoFundMe online fundraising effort.

A separate GoFundMe account has been set up forTolbert's recovery, which has also raised more than $61,000 from more than 1,900 people.

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