Murfreesboro Man Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges Following Domestic Violence Investigation
A 34-year-old Murfreesboro man has been arrested on multiple felony charges following a domestic violence investigation that began with a report to the Murfreesboro Police Department on July 1.
According to an affidavit, Officer Obie Laurent was dispatched at approximately 5:40 p.m. to a residence on Evans Street in reference to a domestic disturbance.
The alleged victim told investigators that after bonding her boyfriend, Neftali Lugo, out of the Pike County Jail on June 26, the situation turned violent two days later when she awoke to Lugo allegedly strangling her while she was in bed.
According to the affidavit, the victim reported that she was then prevented from leaving the residence or contacting anyone for several days. Investigators said she told Officer Laurent that her phone had been taken away, doors had been barricaded with padlocks and broomsticks, and she was repeatedly assaulted during that time.
The victim further alleged that Lugo threatened her on multiple occasions with a machete by holding it against her throat and threatening to kill her. She also reported that Lugo threatened her with a hammer and a kitchen knife.
According to investigators, the victim was able to escape the residence on July 1 while Lugo was taking a shower and sought help.
Officer Laurent reported observing bruising in various stages of healing on the victim’s face, neck, and arms. After receiving consent to enter the residence, Officer Laurent, assisted by Pike County Sheriff’s deputies, forced entry into the home and located Lugo in the hallway. Authorities said Lugo complied with commands and was taken into custody without incident.
Court documents state that a criminal history check revealed Lugo had a 2024 conviction in Harris County, Texas, for Assault Causing Bodily Injury to a Family Member, an offense investigators said carries statutory elements similar to Arkansas’ Domestic Battery in the Third Degree.
Lugo is charged with:
- Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member
- Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree
- False Imprisonment in the First Degree
- Interference with Emergency Communications in the First Degree
- Domestic Battery in the Third Degree
The investigation remains under the direction of the Murfreesboro Police Department.