Murphy Woman Charged with Felony Child Abuse

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 — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that November 20, 2017 arrest of Lilyaunna Helene Kiff-Hall, a 17-year-old Murphy, North Carolina woman for charges involving injuries to an infant .

On or about November 15th , 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a Physician at TC Thompson who stated that earlier in the day an infant was flown from the Martins Creek Community of Cherokee County to their hospital as the child was experiencing breathing issues. The physician further explained that after examining the infant there were injuries that were consistent with child abuse. The information provided was given to Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Cherokee County Department of Social Services.

Upon receiving the information, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office commenced an investigation that included search warrants for the residence of the infant. During the search, items of evidence were collected which included at least one cellular device .

Lilyaunna Helene Kiff-Hall was arrested at the Cherokee County Detention Center on November 20th , 2017 and presented to the North Carolina Magistrate who set a $50,000.00 secure bond for Felony Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Injury. Lilyaunna Helene Kiff-Hall is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court December 5th , 2017 at 9 am .

Sheriff Palmer stated, “This is a very sad situation, especially this time of the year. We appreciate the cooperative effort of the Cherokee County Department of Social Services who are partnering with us. Our investigation is far from over and we expect additional charges as we progress .”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov .