Tenn. couple accused of choking adopted teen daughter, threatening to kill her

BLUFF CITY, Tenn. (TCD) -- A 46-year-old woman and her 44-year-old husband were taken into custody this week after they allegedly choked, shoved, and threatened to kill their daughter because she had a cellphone.

According to the affidavit, on June 5, a Bluff City Police officer responded to a call about an "unruly juvenile" at a residence on Main Street. When the officer arrived, he spoke with Deborah and Matthew Wiles, who told him the incident began when they found out their 15-year-old adopted daughter owned a cellphone, which was "against their rules." Deborah allegedly asked the daughter for the password, but she refused to hand it over. Deborah and the teen reportedly engaged in a "verbal altercation" that resulted in Deborah pushing the girl into the couch.

The family was reportedly supposed to leave for an event, but the teen "refused to go out and get in the truck," so Matthew allegedly "carried her to the truck and placed her in the back seat."

The affidavit says the teen started "thrashing around trying to get away" and hit her head on part of the car, causing her nose to bleed. She reportedly jumped out of the car and ran down the street.

Deborah Wiles then called police for help.

The responding Bluff City Police officer saw the teen had blood all over her face, hands, and clothing, and she reportedly admitted to owning a phone against the Wiles' permission. She claimed Deborah "grabbed her throat, shoving her into the couch," and was "cursing and screaming at her while holding her down, choking her."

She allegedly told the girl, "I’m going to choke the f--k out of you."

Deborah reportedly sat on the girl before Matthew allegedly "shoved her head down between her own knees and stated, 'It’s my turn.'"

While carrying her to the car, Matthew allegedly called the teen a "little whore."

The victim told police the Wiles had a video camera in the living room, which Deborah allowed the officer to look through. The recording reportedly showed the alleged shoving incident as well as Deborah saying, "You’re going to die today 'cause I’ve had enough."

Matthew and Deborah Wiles were arrested on charges of aggravated domestic abuse and child abuse.

MORE:

• Deborah and Matthew Wiles affidavit