Man arrested for assault, kidnapping after hours-long abuse

On 11/13/2024 at approx. 8:00am, officers responded to Volunteer Community Hospital in reference to a possible assault victim. Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim, a 43-year-old female, had been allegedly assaulted the evening before at around 11:00pm at 321 Lee St. in Martin, TN. The victim stated that her boyfriend, Octavious Strayhorn, 37-years-old, had beaten her with his hands, a curtain rod and cut her several times with a pocket knife. She stated that he held her inside the apartment and that the assault lasted continuously from 11:00pm until 6:00am.

📸: Martin Police Department

The victim’s injuries were consistent with the statements that she had given officers. Officers made contact with Mr. Strayhorn at the apartment. Officers observed that the apartment was in disarray and that there was blood in various places throughout the interior. Officers did locate the knife and curtain rod inside of the bedroom. The offender was taken into custody at this time and Strayhorn has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Reckless Endangerment (Serious Injury or Use of a Deadly Weapon).

Strayhorn will be arraigned today at 1:00pm in Weakley County General Sessions Court.

Phillip W. Fuqua
Chief of Police

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