A West Palm Beach man was arrested on Wednesday after deputies said he beat a 13-year-old and flayed the teen’s skin after he saw writing on his hand.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Jermaine Gully, 34, faces charges of child abuse and child neglect in the incident that left the victim with multiple injuries.
Deputies said Gully got into a verbal fight with the teen that turned physical when he struck the victim multiple times in the chest and torso, according to the arrest report. Gully then told the teen to wash the writing off on his hands. The victim obeyed and Gully then put his hands around the teen's neck, choking him.
An unidentified person intervened and helped the teen escape, according to deputies. Gully and the teen were later sitting at a table to eat when Gully grabbed the victim’s wrist that had the writing on it. The victim told deputies Gully grabbed his wrist so hard that he almost broke it.
Gully then took a brush and scrubbed the teen’s hand and forearm “until the first layer of skin was completely removed,” the arrest report states. He did not provide the teen medical help for his injuries, deputies said.
Deputies took Gully to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was released Saturday after posting a $6,000 bail, arrest records show.
The teen’s condition is unknown.
About the Author
