BEDFORD – A Lawrence County couple, Kyle Jordan Wooten and Purity Hope Wooten, both of Bedford, are facing charges of domestic battery on a person less than 14 years of age following an investigation by the Lawrence County Police Department. Kyle Jordan Wooten, 38, also faces an additional charge of strangulation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Sgt. R. Compton, the investigation began on May 26, 2025, when Lawrence County Central Dispatch received a call from a woman reporting that Kyle Wooten had battered her 10-year-old daughter after spending the weekend at his residence.
According to the child, Kyle Wooten had placed her in a chokehold, causing difficulty breathing, shortly before being dropped off. This incident allegedly occurred in front of Purity Wooten, Kyle’s wife, and the 10-year-old’s sibling. The alleged reason for the altercation was that the victim had pushed the family dog off her lap. The victim also had multiple scratches and redness on her body.
The victim’s mother initially contacted the Department of Children and Family Services (DCS) in Monroe County. Sgt. Compton subsequently contacted DCS, and a worker met with the victim and her mother on the night of the incident.
On June 2, 2025, Sgt. Compton met with the victim and her mother in person. The mother stated that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred, but it was the first time there were noticeable bruises on her child. She reported that both the victim and her sibling had previously come home claiming to have been hit, put in headlocks, and locked out of the house. Photos provided by the mother showed a noticeable red spot/bruise on the victim’s upper and mid-back area, as well as various other scratches.
The 10-year-old described her time at the Wooten residence, alleging that they “bully” her, “beat her up,” and “put her in headlocks.” She specified being put in a headlock three times on May 26th, describing them as tight enough to restrict breathing, similar to a blood pressure cuff. She further claimed that during these altercations, she was called “boy, ugly, and fat,” and made fun of for not having friends. She stated that physical discipline, including being beaten up and locked out of the house, was a common punishment.
The 10-year-old recounted the specific May 26th incident where Kyle Wooten allegedly put her in a chokehold after she pushed the dog, while Purity Wooten, 40, pulled her feet, attempting to make her fall. The child claimed the chokehold lasted “a minute to a minute and a half” and that she kicked Purity in the face, causing Kyle Wooten to release her.
On June 10, Kyle Wooten was served with a protection order protecting both children. During the interview, Kyle denied placing the child in a headlock or Purity holding her legs. He attributed the child’s behavior to an “attitude” and “mental health issues” related to her gender identity. He stated his discipline methods included taking away electronic devices, timeouts, or family discussions, and rarely physical discipline. He also suggested the other child was instructed by his mother and grandmother to side with the 10-year-old victim.
Purity Wooten was also interviewed. She denied the specific incident as described, but acknowledged that the children had been fighting and she and Kyle had to break them up. She confirmed an incident where the victim kicked the dog on the porch. Purity stated that the 10-year-old “acts out” when it’s time to return to her mother. She denied physical discipline in the household and said she had never seen Kyle put the children in headlocks, though she admitted Kyle might have “grabbed” the girl. She assisted in “restraining” the victim during fights with the other sibling. Purity expressed frustration, claiming the child’s mother has made similar reports every few months for years.
Based on these findings, Sgt. Compton stated he has probable cause to believe Kyle Jordan Wooten committed domestic battery on a person less than 14 years of age and strangulation, and Purity Hope Wooten committed domestic battery on a person less than 14 years of age. A warrant was issued for their arrest, and they were detained on July 22.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
