Feds investigate violent assault against gay couple

The FBI Atlanta Field Office is initiating a federal civil rights investigation in the violent assault of a gay couple at a College Park apartment complex on Godby Road February 12.

FBI SA Steve Emmett said, "To determine whether this crime as egregious as it is meets the federal hate crime statute."

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FBI Special Agent Steve Emmett said the federal law enforcement agency is now investigating the brutal attack against Anthony Gooden and Marquez Tolbert that left both men hospitalized with second and third degree burns.

Police said 48-year-old Martin Blackwell, who is the boyfriend of Gooden's mother, poured boiling water on the men as they slept at her home. Blackwell reportedly admitted doing so to police, indicating he was disgusted by the men's relationship.

"The public has a right to know that the FBI is looking at a case as traumatic to the victims as this this was pretty bad," said Emmett.

The FBI investigation of the heinous crime brings a different set of eyes to the case while reassuring the victim and those involved that the federal bureau of investigation is thoroughly reviewing the evidence at hand. "As to what can be done about it, how far the prosecution could go how far this matter should be pursued."