Police charged a man with second degree attempted murder after they say the man threw a pan of hot grease and grits on another man that resulted in second and third degree burns on 30% of the victim's body.
Orlando police say the incident began on Wednesday, June 18, when officers responded to a call on the 4000 block of King Cole Boulevard in reference to a battery.
Officers met with the suspect, Edward Holley, upon their arrival, and his statement may shock you.
Police say Holley stated he was inside of his residence when he observed the victim, Darryl Blacknell, on his front porch. Officers say Holley told them he then grabbed a pan of grease and grits that was cooking on the stove, and went outside and threw the grease and grits onto Blacknell.
The Orlando Fire Department responded and transported Blacknell to ORMC.
According to the police report, when officers asked Holley why he attacked Blacknell, he told them the two had gotten into a verbal argument the night before, and both men had pushed each other before he left and said Blacknell followed him to a friend's house. Police say Holley told them this enraged him.
Officers say Holley stated, "If you're going to arrest me, then just arrest me now, cause next time I am going to kill him."
Holley refused to write a statement.
Officers spoke with a man who lived in the same building, who told them saw Holley heat up the grease, and walk outside with the pan before hearing Blacknell's screams. Police say the witness told them that Holley is constantly starting fights with Blacknell, and is the instigator when issues arise.
Police say Holley's cousin was standing next to victim when the grease was thrown, and he suffered burns on one of his arms. The witness told police that man got in a car and drove himself to the hospital.
Officers then went to speak with Blacknell, who was in the trauma unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
According to the police report, Blacknell told police that prior to the incident, he was sitting on the porch playing poker with Holley's cousin, and another friend. Blacknell said Holley came outside and the two began to argue before both men pushed each other. Blacknell said Holley told him, "I have something for you" and went back inside of the residence.
Blacknell stayed on the porch.
Police say just a few minutes later, Holley came outside with a pan and threw hot grease and grits on Blacknell, even burning his cousin in the process.
Blacknell told police the pain was horrible, he said he began screaming and running away from the house.
The police report states officers spoke to an ER nurse, who stated Blacknell has second and third degree burns on 30% of his body. Due to those injuries, Blacknell will have to undergo painful cleanings and surgeries; he will be admitted into the hospital for a significant amount of time. Blacknell stated he desires prosecution.
OPD said that based on Holley's admission to throwing the grease on Blacknell, and the act itself indicates an indifference to human life, demonstrating a depraved mind; along with Blacknell's statement and the injuries sustained by Blacknell, probable cause exists to charge Holley with attempted second degree murder.
Holley was placed under arrest and transported him to BRC without incident.
Officers wrote in their report that while Holley was seated in the patrol vehicle he spontaneously stated several times it was Blacknell's fault because he was "following" him around.