RAVENSWOOD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A domestic dispute turned violent Thursday evening, leading to the arrest of a Jackson County man accused of strangling his wife during an argument inside their camper.
On April 10, deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call, who warned dispatchers that Jeremy Chad Raines had become violent and was known to be aggressive toward law enforcement. Officers were dispatched to a home in Ravenswood around the time of the incident.
Deputy M.C. Turley, Deputy M.R. Abel, and Patrolman J. Ankrom from the Ravenswood Police Department arrived on the scene and secured the area before interviewing the involved parties.
According to statements given to Deputy Abel, the alleged victim said the altercation began while she was cleaning. During an argument, she claimed that Jeremy Raines used both hands to wrap around her neck, attempting to crush her windpipe and twist her neck.
She described the incident as lasting nearly one minute, during which she stated she could not breathe and feared for her life, believing her husband was trying to break her neck. The incident reportedly occurred inside the camper the couple shares, with her stating she was pinned against the refrigerator while being strangled.
She also revealed a history of physical abuse by Raines, though she noted there had been no recent incidents until that night.
Deputies observed visible red marks on both sides of her neck, which were photographed as evidence. She was also advised on how to pursue a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO).
When questioned, Jeremy Raines admitted that the couple argued but denied any physical altercation. He claimed he tripped in the kitchen, and his hands accidentally landed on Shelly’s shoulders.
However, based on the physical evidence, the victim’s detailed account, and the consistency of injuries with strangulation, Deputy Abel determined that Jeremy Chad Raines knowingly and willfully restricted his wife’s airflow by applying pressure to her throat, causing bodily harm.
Raines was arrested and charged under West Virginia State Code §61-2-9d for strangulation — a felony offense.
