Inset: Devon Murphy (Fayetteville Police Department). Background: Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, N.C., where criminal justice teacher Devon Murphy allegedly choked a teenage student in March 2025 (Google Maps).
A North Carolina teacher and basketball coach is facing charges for allegedly putting a 15-year-old student in a “choke hold” and strangling him until he “lost consciousness,” cops say.
Devon Murphy, 41, is charged with felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor child abuse for the March attack, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. The Douglas Byrd High School criminal justice teacher and boys” varsity coach has reportedly been suspended after being arrested and booked Thursday, July 31, in the Cumberland County Detention Center.
According to his arrest warrant, Murphy allegedly assaulted student on March 25 and caused “swelling” on the right side of the teen’s forehead, in addition to him going unconscious.
Cops accused the educator of “putting his arm around the juvenile victim’s neck in choke hold position until the victim lost consciousness,” per the warrant.
“The defendant unlawfully and willfully, being a person providing care and supervision because of a teacher and student relationship with [the victim], who was a child less than 16 years of age, did inflict physical injury on that child,” police alleged.
“The physical injury inflicted caused unconsciousness and swelling on the right side of the juvenile victim’s forehead and was inflicted by other than accidental means,” the warrant said.
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Cumberland County Schools (CCS) told local CBS affiliate WNCN it reported Murphy and suspended him with pay “as soon as the situation was brought to our attention,” according to the outlet.
Police said Saturday that the investigation into Murphy and his actions as a teacher remains “active” and the Fayetteville Police Department’s Youth Services Unit “encourages anyone who may have information regarding this investigation, or anyone who believes they have been victimized,” to contact the department.
“These allegations are concerning and do not reflect the standards we expect of those who serve our students,” CCS told WNCN. “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”
Murphy is currently out on a $25,000 secured bond after appearing in court Friday. He is scheduled to return for a disposition hearing on Aug. 20.
