PINEVILLE, KY - The Bell County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Saturday night June 24, 2023, at 11:28, Bell County Deputies Samson Churchwell and Austin Poindexter were dispatched to an Old Cross Road residence in reference to a domestic violence incident.
Once on scene, the deputies came in contact with the female victim. She stated that 55-year-old Donald Shaver Jr. of Middlesboro placed his hand around her throat knocking her backwards out of a chair causing the back of her head to hit the ground and proceeded to strangle her.
The woman went on to state that she was able to break free from Shaver and get to her feet. She said Shaver swung an ax at her stomach while she is 13 weeks pregnant with their child.
Shaver was found sitting on the back of a pickup truck on the property and Deputy Churchwell states there was a strong odor coming from his breath.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Bell County Detention Center.
Donald Shaver is charged with:
- Assault – 2nd degree – domestic violence
- Strangulation – 1st degree
- Attempted murder – domestic violence
- Attempted fetal homicide – 1st degree
- Public intoxication – 1st and 2nd offense
This individual was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Bell County Detention Center.
UPDATE: In Bell County District Court on Wednesday, July 5th, 2023, De'Anda Shaver stated under oath that the incident wasn't true and recanted her statements.
Deputy Churchwell states in his citation that De'Anda Shaver was then arrested at the Farmer Helton Judicial Center and charged with filing a false report which generated an emergency response. The charge is a felony.
She was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center and released a short time later on an OR bond.
A court order dropping the charges against Donald Shaver Jr. except for Public Intoxication was issued and he was released from custody.
