A teacher and basketball coach in North Carolina is in serious legal trouble after being accused of choking a 15-year-old student until the boy lost consciousness. The incident has shocked the local school community and sparked a police investigation.
What Happened?
Devon Murphy, a 41-year-old teacher and boys’ basketball coach at Douglas Byrd High School, has been charged with felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor child abuse. According to police, the alleged attack happened on March 25, when Murphy reportedly put his arm around the student’s neck in a choke hold.
The student, who is under 16 years old, reportedly passed out during the attack. He also had visible swelling on the right side of his forehead, police said.
An official arrest warrant states that the injury was not caused accidentally and confirms that Murphy had a student-teacher relationship with the victim. This relationship placed him in a position of care and authority, which makes the situation even more serious under the law.
What the Police and School Said
The Fayetteville Police Department announced that Murphy was arrested and booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center on July 31. He is now out on $25,000 secured bond and is expected to appear in court for a disposition hearing on August 20.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police are asking anyone with more information — or others who may have been harmed — to come forward. The case is being handled by the department’s Youth Services Unit.
Meanwhile, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) said Murphy was suspended with pay as soon as the allegations were brought to their attention. In a statement, CCS expressed deep concern over the incident and made it clear that such behaviour does not reflect their standards.
What Could Happen Next?
Since the charges include a felony assault, the case could result in serious legal consequences for Murphy if he’s found guilty. Schools across the U.S. have strict policies about student safety, and physical violence by teachers is taken very seriously.
The school has made it clear that the safety of students and staff is their highest priority. The outcome of the investigation and future court hearings will decide Murphy’s professional and legal fate.
This incident is a disturbing reminder of the responsibility that teachers have in ensuring the safety and well-being of their students. Physical violence in any form is unacceptable, especially from someone in a trusted role like a teacher or coach.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served and schools will take even stronger steps to prevent such incidents in the future. No student should ever feel unsafe in a classroom or on school grounds.
