FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Fayette County man was arrested Sunday evening after deputies say he punched his girlfriend during a domestic dispute at Fayette Town Park, leaving her with visible injuries.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred on March 8, 2026, at approximately 5:25 p.m., when Deputy T.R. Walker was contacted by the Fayette County 911 Center regarding a reported domestic disturbance at the park in the Fayetteville area.
When Deputy Walker arrived on scene, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department were already present and speaking with two individuals involved in the incident.
Victim Found with Visible Injuries
Deputy Walker made contact with Haley Degumba, who authorities say had visible red marks on her face and arms.
During the investigation, Degumba told deputies that her boyfriend, Austin Farmer, had punched her in the face during an argument.
According to the report, Walker observed several injuries consistent with her statement, including:
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A busted lip with dried blood around her mouth
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Bruising on both arms
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Red marks on her upper left arm
When asked if similar incidents had occurred before, Degumba told deputies this was the first time something like this had happened.
Suspect Claims Strike Was Accidental
Deputies then spoke with Austin Farmer, who acknowledged that the couple had been involved in a verbal argument.
Farmer told officers that during the dispute he threw Degumba’s food card toward a window. He said that when he reached toward her afterward, he accidentally struck her in the mouth.
However, based on the injuries observed and the statements collected from both individuals, deputies determined there was probable cause to make an arrest.
Arrest Made
Austin Farmer was taken into custody and charged with Domestic Battery under West Virginia Code §61-2-28(a).
Authorities confirmed the incident occurred in the Fayetteville area of Fayette County.
