A North Carolina high school teacher and basketball coach has been charged with assault by strangulation and child abuse after allegedly placing a 15-year-old student in a choke hold that caused the teen to lose consciousness, according to police and court records.
Devon Murphy, 41, a criminal justice instructor and varsity boys’ basketball coach at Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, was arrested Thursday and booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center. His charges stem from a March 25 incident involving one of his students.
According to an arrest warrant, Murphy allegedly wrapped his arm around the student’s neck in a choke hold until the teen passed out. The student also reportedly suffered swelling on the right side of his forehead.
Police said Murphy was in a position of authority over the student due to his role as a teacher. Investigators stated he “willfully inflicted physical injury” on the child, who is under the age of 16.
Murphy has since been suspended from his duties at the school. His arrest followed a months-long investigation by the Fayetteville Police Department.
He is facing one felony count of assault by strangulation and one misdemeanor count of child abuse. No court date has been publicly announced.
Key Points
- Devon Murphy, 41, arrested and charged with choking a student unconscious
- Incident allegedly took place on March 25 at Douglas Byrd High School
- Murphy is suspended from his teaching and coaching roles amid the investigation
A North Carolina teacher is under fire after allegedly choking a student into unconsciousness during a disturbing classroom incident.
