A disturbing case of family violence has emerged in South Carolina, where a man was arrested after allegedly throwing a pot of boiling water on his 24-year-old great niece, leaving her with serious burn injuries. Authorities said the attack came “out of the blue” after a few minor disagreements.
Man Arrested After Boiling Water Attack
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Gregory Bernard Campbell was taken into custody on September 5 and charged with assault and battery. Deputies responded to a home on Misty Circle in Belton, about 215 miles northwest of Charleston, following reports of a domestic disturbance.
According to investigators, Campbell intentionally poured boiling water on the young woman as she walked by the stove. Officials described the attack as unprovoked.
“They had a few disagreements leading up to the attack,” the sheriff’s office told The Charlotte Observer. “However, that day it came out of the blue. He was simply standing over the stove one minute and as she walked by, proceeded to throw the water on her.”
Victim Treated at Burn Center
The victim suffered severe burns and was rushed to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, about 90 miles from the scene. Authorities have not released details about her current condition.
The American Burn Association warns that water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit can cause serious burns requiring surgery. Since boiling water reaches 212 degrees, the damage in such cases can be devastating in just seconds.
Suspect Released on Bond
Campbell was booked into the Anderson County Detention Center but has since been released on bond. It is not immediately clear when he will appear in court.
Community Concerns
The shocking case highlights how quickly family disputes can escalate into violence. Authorities stressed that the victim was attacked without warning, underscoring the dangers of domestic conflicts that may seem minor at first but can turn violent in moments.
