A high school teacher and basketball coach in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is facing serious charges after allegedly choking a 15-year-old student until the teen passed out. The incident, which happened in March, has raised alarm over student safety and teacher conduct. Authorities say the educator, Devon Murphy, has been suspended and remains under investigation.
What Allegedly Happened?
Devon Murphy, 41, is a criminal justice teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach at Douglas Byrd High School. According to police, on March 25, he put a 15-year-old student in a “choke hold” and held it until the student lost consciousness. The arrest warrant also mentions that the student suffered visible injuries, including swelling on the right side of his forehead.
Charges Against the Teacher
Murphy has been charged with two offenses:
Felony assault by strangulation
Misdemeanor child abuse
Authorities claim Murphy was responsible for the teen’s care and supervision due to the teacher-student relationship. The injuries caused were not accidental, according to police.
Arrest and Suspension
Murphy was arrested on July 31 and booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center. He was later released on a $25,000 secured bond. Cumberland County Schools said they took immediate action, suspending Murphy with pay once the matter was brought to their attention.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Youth Services Unit continues to investigate. Officials are asking anyone with more information—or anyone who feels they may have also been a victim—to contact them.
Police are treating the case as serious, and the school district has emphasized that student safety is a top concern.
School District’s Statement
In a statement to local media, Cumberland County Schools said:
“These allegations are concerning and do not reflect the standards we expect of those who serve our students. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”
Next Steps
Murphy is due back in court for a disposition hearing on August 20. Meanwhile, the school district and police department continue to gather more information to determine what happened and if others were affected.
This troubling case has shocked the local community and sparked conversations about student safety, discipline, and trust in educators. As investigations continue, many parents and students are waiting for clarity and justice. The upcoming court hearings will likely shed more light on what occurred and what consequences the teacher may face.
