BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested Tuesday morning on multiple felony charges after police say he attacked and strangled his mother during a domestic dispute at an apartment complex on the city’s west side.
According to an affidavit filed in Lawrence County, Officer Zakry E. Brooking responded at approximately 8:54 a.m., May 19, to the 2900 block of Ted Jones Drive on a report of a physical domestic fight.
Police said Cory D. Shelton met officers at the door and allegedly admitted he had “snapped” during an argument after returning home from an overnight work shift. According to the affidavit, Shelton told officers he believed he had strangled the victim and acknowledged she was having trouble breathing.
Inside the residence, officers found the victim bent over, coughing and gasping for air, according to court documents.
The affidavit states Shelton told police the argument began after a discussion about ordering food escalated into a verbal dispute. Shelton allegedly admitted to becoming angry and assaulting the victim.
According to police, the victim told officers that Shelton attacked her, struck her multiple times in the face and head, and choked her repeatedly until she lost consciousness. The victim allegedly told police, “He tried to kill me.”
Investigators reported observing swelling around the victim’s eye, scratches on her forearms, and redness on her neck and upper chest consistent with strangulation injuries.
The victim told police she attempted to call 911, but Shelton allegedly tried to take away her phone, forcing her to hide it under a blanket, according to the affidavit.
IU Health emergency medical personnel evaluated the victim at the scene. Police said photographs of the injuries were taken, and a domestic battery affidavit was completed.
Shelton was arrested and booked into the Lawrence County Jail on preliminary charges of strangulation, domestic battery, and interfering with the reporting of a crime.
As in all criminal cases, charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
