OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County man was arrested after allegedly choking and assaulting his wife, threatening to kill her during an altercation at a residence in Oak Hill on March 4, 2025.
At approximately 10:05 a.m., Corporal A.M. Radcliff of the Oak Hill Police Department responded to a report of domestic violence after the victim arrived at the police station to report the incident.
Victim’s Account of the Assault
Settle, who had visible injuries, including a scratch on her nose and neck pain, told officers that she and her husband, Christopher Settle, had stayed the previous night with Jason Settle at Southern Appalachian Labor School (S.A.L.S.) on School Street.
At around 5:30 a.m., she was awakened by Christopher Settle, who allegedly began choking her and stated, “I’m going to kill you, bitch.” She reported that she nearly lost consciousness before he pressed her face down on a metal spring bed, grabbed her hair, and twisted her neck, causing a loud “pop” sound. She attempted to call for help from Jason Settle, who was present but did not intervene.
She eventually escaped and fled to a nearby gas station. She told police the assault was triggered by Christopher seeing something on her phone that angered him.
Medical Response and Police Investigation
EMS responded to the Oak Hill Police Department at 10:26 a.m., transporting Settle to Plateau Medical Center for evaluation.
At 1:22 p.m., officers located Christopher Settle at a residence on Wildwood Place and took him into custody after reading him his Miranda rights. During questioning, Settle admitted to looking through his wife’s phone but denied assaulting her, stating, “I’m not going to beat on the ole girl.” He also claimed her injuries may have been self-inflicted due to alcohol and drug use.
Witness Statement Confirms Threats and Assault
At 1:53 p.m., police interviewed Jason Settle, who confirmed that he witnessed Christopher on top of Carmelene, hitting her. He stated that he pulled Christopher off of her and forced him out of the house.
Jason also confirmed that he heard Christopher threaten to kill Carmelene and later heard him say, “If you turn me in, I’m going to kill you.” Ms. Settle told Jason that Chris saw pictures and videos of her “doing it” with another guy.
Criminal History and Legal Actions
A background check revealed that Christopher Settle has prior convictions for Domestic Battery (3rd Offense) and Domestic Assault (3rd Offense) from 2017.
Forensic investigators photographed the scene, and Settle was advised of her Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVP) rights. She stated she planned to stay with her daughter and would apply for a protective order, but as of March 5, 2025, no order had been signed by the Fayette County Magistrate’s Office.
