Inset: Devon Murphy (Fayetteville Police Department). Background: Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville, N.C., where criminal justice teacher Devon Murphy allegedly strangled a teenage student in March 2025 (Google Maps).
A teacher and basketball coach from North Carolina is being charged for allegedly placing a 15-year-old student in a “choke hold” and strangling him to the point of unconsciousness, according to police.
Devon Murphy, 41, is facing charges of felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor child abuse for the incident in March, as stated by the Fayetteville Police Department. The criminal justice teacher and varsity basketball coach at Douglas Byrd High School has allegedly been suspended following his arrest and booking on Thursday, July 31, at the Cumberland County Detention Center.
The arrest warrant indicates that Murphy is accused of assaulting a student on March 25, causing “swelling” on the right side of the teen’s forehead and rendering him unconscious.
Police accused the teacher of “placing his arm around the juvenile victim’s neck in a choke hold, causing the victim to lose consciousness,” as detailed in the warrant.
“The defendant unlawfully and willfully, as a person responsible for care due to a teacher and student relationship with [the victim], who was a child under 16 years old, inflicted physical injury on the child,” authorities claimed.
“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.
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.
