MORGANTON, NC — One man is in custody after deputies say he assaulted a woman and stole her car.
The female victim called authorities around 11:45am Saturday, according to officials, to report being robbed by 41-year-old Billy Murphy. Murphy, who was known to the victim, had been staying at her mother’s home with another woman, officials say. When the victim, who lives out of state, arrived at the home she told them both to leave.
Officials say the victim left and returned a short time later, and was assaulted by Murphy. According to reports, Murphy hit the victim on the head and face with a hard object, and then began choking her when she tried to get up. Murphy eventually took the victim’s keys and left in her car.
The victim was taken to CMC for treatment.
Deputies located the stolen car at the Thrifty Mart in Glen Alpine, officials say, and arrested Murphy inside. He was charged with misdemeanor Assault with a Deadly Weapon, felony Robbery, felony Larceny Motor Vehicle, and felony Possession of Stolen Goods.
Investigators say additional charges are pending.
