Four young adults have been charged by an Etowah grand jury with burning a V onto a teenager’s forehead in what was initially described as a vampire attack, the Gadsden Times reported.
The defendants, ages 19 and 20, are charged with first- and second-degree assault in Alabama.Authorities say they tied up a 17-year-old boy, beat him and burned a V into his forehead. The victim also had cigarette burns on his arm or face.
Based on allegations of cruelty made by prosecutors, the grand jury upgraded the original charges. A Birmingham juvenile defense attorney may have been successful in mitigating the possible penalties had the defendants been just a little younger. As it stands, they will face adult penalties in adult court and the consequences may be quite severe.
The V was reportedly cut into the victim’s forehead with a hot fork. Authorities initially thought it stood for vampire but now believe it may have meant “victim.”
Under Alabama law, first-degree assault is a Class B felony that alleges serious physical harm to someone using a dangerous weapon. It is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree assault is a Class C felony alleging serious physical injury to another person. It carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.