A man who threw scalding hot water on his girlfriend’s son and another man while they were sleeping was denied bond, officials said Thursday.

Martin Blackwell, 48, was charged with multiple counts of aggravated battery and aggravated assault, according to a press release from the Fulton County District’s Attorney’s Office.

Police accuse Blackwell of taking a boiling hot water and throwing it at Anthony Gooden and Marquez Tolbert. Gooden is the son of Blackwell’s girlfriend.

Blackwell threw the water, telling police he was disgusted by the men's relationship, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported. The FBI opened a hate-crime investigation into the case.

The victims suffered second and third degree burns, according to the release.

Blackwell’s court date is set for August 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the Fulton County Courthouse.

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

About the Author

Keep Reading

A South Fulton police officer was injured when he was struck by a vehicle Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Details are limited, but officials confirmed the officer was injured around 7 a.m. while helping drivers involved in an earlier crash. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)