Atlanta: FBI Opens Hate Crime Investigation Into Boiling Water Attack On Two Gay Men

Anthony Gooden

Two gay men in Atlanta suffered second and third degree burns last month when the boyfriend of one of the two men poured boiling hot water on them while they slept.

Now, the FBI has opened a hate-crime investigation which could lead to more severe charges.

Authorities say 48-year-old Martin Blackwell, the boyfriend of the mother of victim Anthony Gooden, told investigators he was disgusted with Gooden's relationship with Marquez Tolbert and poured "a little hot water on them."

Tolbert was hospitalized for 10 days and had to undergo surgery. Gooden was released from a hospital two weeks ago.

Blackwell has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery. It's unclear whether he has an attorney.

Blackwell remains in jail and faces two charges of aggravated battery.

Gooden's mother, Kim Foster, has said in interviews that Blackwell did not approve of her son being gay. “He got hatred in his heart and God’s gonna deal with him,” Foster said.

In the aftermath of the attack, Gooden spent two weeks in a coma and Tobert spent 10 days in the hospital.

Years of treatment and recovery lay ahead of both men.

Two separate GoFundMe campaigns have been set up - one for Gooden here, and another for Tolbert here. More than $60,000 has been raised for each of the men at this writing.

Marquez Tolbert