Salem boy who had throat slashed 'doing well'

SALEM, Mass. (AP) -- An 8-year-old boy who was left in a burning Salem apartment after his own mother allegedly slashed his throat is out of the hospital and on the mend.

A lawyer for a family member says Jamaal Goodwin is happy, speaking again, and living with the relatives in Boston, including the man he calls "Pops."

The lawyer tells The Salem News that that man, Wayne Cox, is a relative who is trying to gain custody of Jamaal.

Jamaal remains in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

His 3-year-old sister, Erica, who was also injured, is reportedly in the custody of her father.

Their mother, 25-year-old Tanicia Goodwin, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder for allegedly harming the children in March.