PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On the evening of Monday, December 30, 2024, authorities responded to a domestic violence incident in Putnam County, West Virginia. Deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, including Deputy B.M. Hodges, Deputy McKeown, and Sgt. Leport, were dispatched to the scene following a report from the victim, Ceaira Michelle Cooper, who had been texting a friend for help.
Incident Details
According to the report, the victim contacted her friend in Charleston, stating she was involved in a domestic altercation with her boyfriend, Keaundre Brennon Likens. Upon arriving at the residence, deputies encountered Mr. Likens outside the apartment. He immediately admitted to the incident, stating, “I hit her.”
The victim informed deputies that the altercation began after she confronted Mr. Likens about smoking marijuana in the house, which she did not want around her or her children. The situation escalated when Mr. Likens struck her in the face, causing her nose to bleed. She said that as she tried to protect her son, Mr. Likens grabbed her by the throat and strangled her, leaving her unable to breathe.
The victim reported that she managed to bite Mr. Likens on the chest to escape. She then locked herself and her three children in the bathroom and texted her friend for help.
Threat with a Deadly Weapon
The victim also told deputies that after the physical assault, Mr. Likens retrieved a knife from the kitchen and threatened her, saying, “I’ll cut you and spill your guts all over the floor and kill you.”
Injuries and Evidence
Deputies observed visible injuries on the victim, including a bloody nose and marks on her neck consistent with strangulation. Photos of these injuries, as well as a bite mark on Mr. Likens’ chest, were documented.
Arrest and Charges
Mr. Likens was arrested at the scene and transported to the Putnam County Courthouse for processing and arraignment. He is facing the following charges:
- Domestic Assault
- Domestic Battery
- Malicious or Unlawful Assault
- Child Neglect Creating Serious Risk of Bodily Injury
- Brandishing a Deadly Weapon
- Felony Strangulation
