Fort Payne Man Charged with Murder Following Friday Morning Incident Police confirm the death of a 24-year-old woman

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Breaking/Area News

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Police Department is investigating a homicide following an incident reported Friday morning at a residence near Fort Payne Middle School.

According to police officials, officers responded to a medical emergency call at approximately 10:28 a.m. on Friday in the 6000 block of Martin Avenue North, near Sequoyah Drive. Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical personnel located an unresponsive adult female inside the residence.

Photo of the crime scene at Martin Ave near Sequoyah Drive. Image courtesy of WAFF.

The victim was identified as Dominique Marie Laferty, 24, of Fort Payne. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

Following a preliminary investigation, officers detained the victim’s husband, Ivan Jonathon Laferty, 23, also of Fort Payne. After further investigation, authorities determined he was responsible for her death. Laferty was subsequently charged with murder and booked into the DeKalb County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.

Investigators with the Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics responded to assist with the investigation, along with investigators from the District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant Chief Lee Traylor confirmed that the incident was isolated and posed no threat to the public.

“There was no ongoing threat to the community, and the incident never presented a danger to students or staff,” Traylor stated, noting the proximity of the scene to Fort Payne Middle School.

Police also addressed public concern through a statement released on the department’s official social media channels, reiterating that the situation was contained and that community safety was never compromised.

Authorities say the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming. No further details have been released at this time.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Fort Payne Police Department.

Continue to follow The Weekly Ledger News for updates as we will provide more information as it becomes available.

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