Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—Morye Deshawn Cooley, 30, of St. Paul, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony domestic assault, following a violent incident involving a woman and child in Detroit Lakes.
Incident Details
On the evening of December 27, 2023, Detroit Lakes police responded to a domestic assault call at a residence. While the female victim initially denied a physical altercation, she later told officers she was afraid of Cooley due to past abuse.
Later, at a safe location, the woman revealed that on Christmas night, Cooley had struck her young son multiple times with a belt, leaving visible bruises. When she tried to protect her son, Cooley assaulted her as well.
Officers observed bruising on the child’s arm, stretching from his wrist to his upper arm. When asked how he got the injuries, the child confirmed that Cooley hit him.
Arrest & Resistance
When officers returned to arrest Cooley, he refused to comply, ripping his arms away and actively resisting arrest. Officers were forced to pin him against a couch as he continued to struggle and lock his arms.
Once officers were able to handcuff him, Cooley went limp and claimed he couldn’t breathe. EMS responded, but upon their arrival, he became belligerent again. After being medically cleared at the hospital, he was transported to jail.
Prior Domestic Violence Convictions
Cooley has multiple prior domestic violence-related convictions, including:
- Felony domestic assault by strangulation (2021) – Dakota County, MN
- Deadly conduct (2016) – Harris County, Texas
- Assault causing bodily injury to a family member (2016) – Harris County, Texas
Sentencing & Probation Conditions
Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Cooley on August 10, 2024, to 21 months in St. Cloud prison, stayed for five years.
Key Sentencing Details:
- Jail Time: 226 days (credited for time served)
- Fines: $50 plus $150 in court fees
- Probation: 5 years of supervised probation
Court-Ordered Conditions:
✔️ No alcohol or drug use
✔️ Complete a Domestic Abuse Batterer’s Intervention Program
✔️ No abusive or assaultive behavior
This case highlights the serious legal consequences of domestic violence, particularly when children are involved.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRFNews