A Stone County couple is facing charges after a man was severely beaten with a rock earlier this month.
On Saturday, June 1, deputies were dispatched to a residence near the Round Mountain Community in Stone County on a report of an apparent assault. Upon arrival, Deputy Justin Meeks of the Stone County Sheriff’s Office located a male victim that had been severely beaten with a rock. The male, William Smith, along with another witness at the scene identified Larry L. Hunter, 35, as the suspect that had beaten Smith, according to court information.
A witness stated Hunter’s girlfriend, Amber Wallis, 35, was driving a four-wheeler with Hunter on the back and pulled into the yard where Smith was located. Hunter and Smith exchanged words and Hunter went after Smith, according to the affidavit of probable cause for arrest. Hunter got Smith on the ground and began beating him with a rock weighing approximately 3.6 pounds.
After Smith was beaten nearly unconscious, Wallis and Hunter left the scene on the four-wheeler.
The report also states that Smith said he had been ‘into it’ with some of the guys on Round Mountain about stealing and other illegal activity.
Authorities were able to locate Wallis, but unsuccessful in finding Hunter. Wallis denied any knowledge or involvement in the incident, according to the court info.
Both Wallis and Hunter are facing charges of felony battery in the first degree. Wallis’ charge is for being an accomplice in the assault. Hunter is also expected to be charged as a habitual offender due to his history of convictions.
Wallis’ bond was set at $25,000 and Hunter’s bond was set for $50,000.
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