Homeless man attacked with Molotov cocktail talks FAST FACTS:
Police say group of guys attacked 2 homeless men with Molotov cocktails. One victim suffered second and third-degree burns. Police say it may have stemmed from argument that happened last July (MEMPHIS, TN 3/27/2008)
A homeless man hit in the head with a Molotov cocktail Easter Sunday talked exclusively to News Channel 3. Police say a group of guys threw the fire bombs at the man and his friend taunting them about being homeless. It happened on at the 8300 block of Stage Road in a wooded area of Bartlett. “[It’s the] worst pain I’ve ever been in in my life” said victim Jeffery Martin from his hospital bed. He was hit with a Molotov cocktail in the head. “I just couldn’t believe they did that.”
“I couldn’t believe they’d do that to another person” he said. He’s talking about the guys accused of setting him on fire. Police say all range in age from 19 to 22. “They tried to take my life, I don’t doubt that for a minute,” said Martin. According to police, the suspects showed up at a tent where Martin’s friend, Brenner Holloman, lives. Martin just happened to be visiting. Police say the group taunted them, returned about 15 minutes later with Molotov cocktails and threw them.
“Once they saw he was on fire they took off quickly”, said Brenner Holloman during an interview with News Channel 3 on Wednesday. He wasn’t hurt in the attack. “I kept saying to myself, ‘Why’d they do this to me, what’d I do to them?'” said Martin. “[They] started laughing about it, they said ‘Burn homeless man, burn,’ “he repeated.” I was rolling on the ground trying to get the fire out and the glasses I need to see with were burned onto my face, “he added.”
Martin suffered second and third-degree burns to his head, ears, neck, shoulders and hands. This incident has somewhat damaged his faith in people, but his faith in God, he says, hasn’t changed a bit. “God wanted me to go through this for some reason I don’t know,” he said. “I just thank God every day that I wake up alive and I can breathe air. Because they almost took that away from me.”
The suspects, have been identified as 20-year-old Michael Grace, 19-year-old Andrew Colin Hicks, 19-year-old Zach Addison Parrish, and 22-year-old John Tyler Eggleston. All have been charged with attempted aggravated arson. Parrish was also charged with attempted second-degree murder. Police believe he threw the Molotov cocktail that hit Martin. A fifth suspect is still on the loose. Meanwhile, Martin says he’s in desperate need of eyeglasses. If you can help, you can get in touch with him through a temporary housing facility he’s staying at. The e-mail address is mmpbrhodes@aol.com