MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A criminal complaint alleges former WVU football star and current assistant running backs coach Noel Devine strangled his live-in girlfriend in his vehicle late Saturday night in Morgantown.
Devine, 38, has been charged with strangulation in connection with the investigation that started in the 400 block of North High Street Saturday night.
The alleged victim told a Morgantown policeman earlier that night she had been involved in a domestic incident with Devine around 11:15 p.m. at Kegler’s Sports Bar.
Devine had allegedly been sending the woman messages that went unanswered for an extended period leading up to the incident, according to the criminal complaint. Devine then used the cell phone location app to track the victim to Kegler’s and went there.
The criminal complaint said Devine asked the victim to come out to the parking lot and when she didn’t respond fast enough he went inside to get her.
Surveillance shows the two leaving the bar and walking to Devine’s vehicle, the criminal complaint said. The video shows Devine pushing the victim against the car, opening the back door and pushing her in.
The victim said Devine then jumped on top of her choking her and slapping her face. When their friends came outside and heard screaming the victim was able to escape.
The alleged victim initially declined medical treatment and showed no visible signs of injury, according to police. She then reported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital the next day later with symptoms consistent with strangulation, according to the criminal complaint.
When Devine used the cell phone location app to track her to the hospital where staff alerted police. Devine was taken into custody at a gas station near the hospital around 12:45 p.m. Sunday.
Police said the victim said Devine had followed her in the past and said Devine admitted to being jealous of her everyday activities. The victim also said Devine had threatened to kill her in the past, the complaint said.
Devine is being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a $40,000 cash or surety bond.
WVU Football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez released a statement on Sunday evening in connection with the case:
“Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff. Any future decision on his status will be determined after more information becomes available.”