Nationwide — Shanell Lakeisha Cohen, a 31-year-old woman from Michigan, was arrested after authorities said she admitted to pouring boiling water on a 15-year-old girl following a physical fight. The teenager suffered third-degree burns to her neck and most of her back and remains hospitalized. Cohen was later taken into custody after speaking with detectives about the incident.
According to KTVU, the confrontation began with a physical fight between Cohen and the teenager. After the altercation ended, investigators said Cohen went inside her home and returned with a pot of boiling water. She then allegedly poured it over the girl’s back, causing extensive burns.
Emergency responders took the teenager to McLaren Oakland Hospital for treatment. Her injuries were serious enough that doctors later transferred her to Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. Oakland County deputies said the girl suffered third-degree burns to her neck and the majority of her back. She remains hospitalized while receiving treatment.
Cohen later went to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Pontiac Substation on Thursday for an interview with detectives. During the questioning, deputies said she admitted to pouring the hot water on the teenager. Authorities arrested her following the interview and transported her to the Oakland County Jail.
The arrest followed what Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard described as another dispute that escalated into serious violence. He said authorities would hold those responsible accountable. The case now moves forward in court, with Cohen facing the consequences of the alleged attack and the teenager recovering from her burns.
Cohen was arraigned Thursday, and a judge set her bond at $75,000 cash or surety. Her probable cause conference is scheduled for October 13. The court proceedings are expected to determine how the case will move forward as prosecutors continue pursuing the allegations against her.