Douglas Byrd High School, Cumberland County, NC — Horror in Classroom: Criminal Justice Teacher Chokes Student Until He Fainted — LIVE UPDATES

Douglas Byrd High School, Cumberland County, NC — A Fayetteville, North Carolina high school has been rocked by a terrifying incident after a criminal justice teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach allegedly put a 15-year-old student in a chokehold, causing the teen to lose consciousness in class. The boy suffered noticeable swelling on one side of his forehead after the incident, which occurred at Douglas Byrd High School in March. Teacher Devon Murphy, 41, was arrested on July 24, 2025, and faces felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor child abuse charges following months of investigation by the Fayetteville Police Department.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Teacher accused of choking student till unconsciousness.

• IMPACT: One teen injured; school community shaken.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Arm around neck until the victim lost consciousness.” — Arrest warrant.

• ACTION: School districts should review restraint policies and staff training.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Douglas Byrd High School, Cumberland County, NC — Fayetteville.

2. Community Connection:

   “He coached them—that’s the worst betrayal we’ve seen.”
   — Parent of student at Douglas Byrd.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This incident follows similar cases across the U.S. where educators used chokeholds—once reserved for self-defense only—on students, prompting review of district policies and legal penalties.

Devon Murphy, who had been at Douglas Byrd High School since 2013, worked as a criminal justice instructor and varsity coach when the incident allegedly occurred in March. According to the arrest warrant, Murphy “wrapped his arm around the juvenile victim’s neck in a chokehold position until the victim lost consciousness,” leaving physical signs like swelling on the student’s forehead. Police charged him with assault by strangulation (felony) and child abuse (misdemeanor).

Murphy was placed on paid suspension once charges became public. It is unclear why the investigation took several months to yield charges. The school district recorded no further disciplinary actions by Murphy after early summer. These events follow a disturbing pattern: in Tampa, Florida, teacher Bennie Leverett faced arrest after a video showed him holding a 14-year-old student in a chokehold for four minutes; the vice principal was also arrested for failing to report or suppressing footage. In Norwalk, Connecticut, a math coach was charged after a fifth grader lost consciousness during a chokehold demonstration gone wrong.

Educational experts say these incidents spotlight gaps in training, unclear use-of-force policies, and systemic failure to protect vulnerable students. Activists urge NC districts to audit restraint protocols—especially around disciplinary coaching—and ensure criminal justice subject instructors receive strict oversight.

Update Log

•  Mar 25, 2025: Incident occurred at Douglas Byrd High School.

•  Jul 24, 2025: Murphy arrested and charged after investigation.

•  Aug 1: Public confirmation via WRAL and WKRC reports.