‘You’re Going to Die Today’: Couple Accused of Choking, Threatening Adopted Teen Daughter Because She Had a Cell Phone
June 9 2023, Published 4:30 p.m. ET
A couple in Tennessee have been arrested after they allegedly choked, shoved and threatened to kill their daughter after finding out she owned a cell phone, according to authorities.
On June 5, police responded to a call about an “unruly juvenile” at a residence in Bluff City, the Bluff City Police Department announced.
Once at the scene, an officer spoke with 46-year-old Deborah Wiles and 44-year-old Matthew Wiles, who said the incident started after they found out their 15-year-old adopted daughter owned a cell phone, which was against their rules.
Deborah allegedly asked for the password to the phone, but the daughter refused to hand the phone over, officials said. This resulted in a “verbal altercation” between Deborah and the teen before Deborah reportedly pushed the girl into the couch.
Court records state the family was supposed to leave for an event, but the daughter “refused to go out and get in the truck.” Matthew allegedly “carried her to the truck and placed her in the back seat.”
While he was carrying the teen, she reportedly started “thrashing around trying to get away” and hit her head on part of the car, causing her nose to bleed, police said.
After being placed in the car, she reportedly jumped out and ran down the street, officials said. That is when Deborah called the police for help.
The officer saw the teen had blood all over her face, hands and clothing. She reportedly admitted to police that she owned a cell phone against her parent’s permission, authorities said.
- Tennessee Mother Sped Off in 'Fit of Rage' with Daughter Clinging to Car Hood Following Dispute, Cops Say
- Missouri Women Accused Of 'Hogtying' 5-Year-Old To Futon, Stuffing Her Mouth With Sock For Stealing Food: Cops
- Cops Claim Pennsylvania Mother Accused Of Murdering 11-Year-Old Son Said She Didn't Want Him To Grow Up With Financial 'Struggles'
The daughter claimed Deborah “grabbed her throat” and shoved her into the couch and she was “cursing and screaming at her while holding her down, choking her,” court records stated.
Deborah allegedly told the girl, “I’m going to choke the f*** out of you,” officials said. She then sat on her daughter before Matthew allegedly “shoved her head down between her own knees and stated, ‘It’s my turn.’”
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
The daughter claimed Matthew called her a “little whore” while carrying her to the car, officials said.
According to the victim, the Wiles had a video camera in the living room. Deborah allowed the officer to look through the video, which reportedly showed the alleged incident, as well as Deborah saying, “You’re going to die today ‘cause I’ve had enough,” police said.
Both of the parents were arrested and charged with aggravated domestic abuse and child abuse, officials said.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.