Overview

• The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office filed juvenile charges of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment against the 12-year-old following the July 29 incident.
• The boy allegedly boiled water in a microwave and poured it on his 9-year-old brother as part of the “Hot Water Challenge” social media prank.
• Court records remain sealed under Pennsylvania’s juvenile confidentiality laws, limiting public access to case details.
• The injured 9-year-old is receiving specialized pediatric burn treatment at the Lehigh Burn Center for severe chest and neck wounds.
• Law enforcement agencies are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity and consult Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force safety resources.