Murphy man arrested for assaulting and strangling female

Kenneth James Laney

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the October 16th, 2015 arrest of 53-year-old Kenneth James Laney of Murphy on charges aggravated assault charges. 

On or about October 11, 2015, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a female that she had been assaulted by being strangled, held against her will as well as being assaulted with a knife. During the short investigation, the responding deputy sheriff determined that the victim and Laney had been involved in a relationship.  The deputy provided the information to the North Carolina Magistrate who issued warrants for Assault By Strangulation, Kidnapping Second Degree and Assault Inflicting Serious Injuries, all felonies. 

Laney was arrested on October 16th and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the magistrate set a $15,000 secure bond and set a November 17th, 2015 court date. Laney is presently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center.

To report crime in Cherokee County, call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

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