Deputies responded to an emergency call on Sunday night at Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital, where a man claimed he was attacked by a relative. The incident, initially reported as a case of being set on fire, was later clarified as an assault involving boiling water.
A per a press release issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, on June 2 at 9:56 p.m., law enforcement officers arrived at the hospital located at 1 Marcela Drive in Willits. They discovered that the male victim had been scalded with boiling water during an altercation at a residence north of Willits. The victim’s injuries were consistent with his statement and he was receiving medical treatment.
The assault occurred in the kitchen of a home in the 30400 block of North Highway 101. According to deputies, the victim and his relative, identified as Raymond Cavino, were arguing about groceries when the situation escalated. Cavino reportedly took a pot of boiling water from the stove and threw it on the victim, causing severe burns.
Following the attack, Cavino transported the injured man to the hospital but left shortly afterward. Deputies were able to locate Cavino later and obtain his statement. After interviewing Cavino and other witnesses, authorities arrested him on charges of battery with serious injury (243(d) PC). He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail with bail set at $30,000.
The victim remains in the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
It must be stated that the charges have not been proven in a court of law. In accordance with the legal principle of the presumption of innocence, any individual described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What a terrible thing to do to someone.
Unbelievable!