A seemingly innocent sleepover turned into a nightmare for a 12-year-old boy in Georgia, who is now recovering from second-degree burns after three friends allegedly poured scalding hot water on his face.
The shocking incident has left the victim facing an extensive recovery, while the three boys, ages 12 to 15, face charges for what they claim was a prank gone wrong.
The victim's mom says her son was asleep at a neighbor's apartment when the boys, who were up playing video games, allegedly poured the hot water on his face.
The victim was quickly transported to a burn center in Augusta, where he underwent surgery for his injuries.
While the boy is expected to recover, the physical and emotional scars may take longer to heal.
"You got to be in shock to know your friends are capable of doing this to you. Like somebody you trusted, it's just horrible. He never thought something like this would happen to him," the victim's aunt told WALB. "Mentally, he is going to have to get counseling to be able to trust people again."
The three boys involved are facing "serious charges" and have been released to their families, WALB reported.
The specific charges were not disclosed.