Published: May 09, 2008 01:43 pm            

New Albany man accused of pointing gun at girlfriend

A former New Albany man is charged with multiple felonies for an altercation he allegedly had with his girlfriend while living in the city, court records show.

Ronald L. Murrell, 44, was living along East 4th Street in New Albany on April 19, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed in Floyd County Superior Court. Murrell allegedly physically attacked and confined his girlfriend that night in their apartment, and was arrested Wednesday in Louisville in connection with the case.

Murrell, now being held in Floyd County Jail on a $75,000 court-cash bond, is charged with C felony battery by means of a deadly weapon, two D felonies — pointing a firearm and criminal confinement, and the class A misdemeanor interference with the reporting of a crime. It would take about $7,500 cash to secure Murrell’s release until his Sept. 15 jury trial.

Murrell allegedly became angry the night of the reported altercation and argued with his girlfriend, according to a probable-cause affidavit. When she tried to leave their bedroom, he purportedly hit her, threw her onto their bed, and bit her on each of her arms, records say. The woman then grabbed a knife to defend herself, and Murrell allegedly took that weapon and used it to stab her in the knee, according to a New Albany Police Department report.

At that point, the woman tried to call 911. Murrell is accused of taking the phone from her and throwing it, which broke it. A neighbor knocked at the door upon hearing the noise, and Murrell’s girlfriend yelled for that person to call the police. Murrell then allegedly grabbed his gun and aimed it at her, then left the apartment before authorities arrived, according to court records.

Murrell faces two to eight years in prison if convicted of the C felony, and six months to three years incarceration per D felony count. For the misdemeanor charge, he could be jailed for up to an additional year. Murrell also faces up to $35,000 in fines on all four charges.

At his initial hearing Wednesday, Judge Susan L. Orth gave Murrell until May 14 to retain an attorney. His next court appearance is set for June 12.

        

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