FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County man is facing felony strangulation and domestic battery charges after a woman reported being assaulted and threatened during a domestic dispute in Deepwater, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a walk-in complaint at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office in Fayetteville on May 7, 2026, where the wife reported that her husband, David Lee Bennett, had allegedly assaulted and strangled her the night before at their home on Boonesborough Road in Deepwater.
According to the complaint, the incident began around 10:45 p.m. on May 6 after an unidentified individual arrived at the residence to drop something off for David Bennett. The victim told deputies she looked out of her son’s window to see who had arrived, which allegedly led to an argument after David Bennett returned inside.
The woman told investigators the argument escalated in the couple’s bedroom, where David Bennett allegedly yelled at her over trust issues in the relationship. She said she repeatedly asked him to back away before attempting to push him away.
According to the report, David Bennett then allegedly pushed her onto the bed, wrapped his hands around her throat, and strangled her. The victim stated her airway was restricted and she could not breathe during the assault. She said he briefly stopped before allegedly strangling her a second time, causing scratches and bleeding to her ear.
The woman also alleged that David Bennett pinned her down on the bed and threatened to kill her before leaving the residence. She further claimed he threatened to burn the house down if she left him and threatened to plant drugs in her vehicle to have her children taken away.
Investigators said the victim appeared genuinely fearful for her safety and reported that David Bennett could allegedly track her phone and vehicle through mobile applications. She reportedly left both her cellphone and vehicle at work before going to the sheriff’s office to file the complaint.
Photos taken by forensic personnel reportedly showed red markings on the left side of the woman’s throat and clavicle area, bruising on her arm and shoulder blades, and an abrasion on her ear.
