Sheriff Danny Hickman reports that on 06/21/2011 Boone County deputies responded to a call reporting a disturbance at Meadow Lane in Valley Springs. 

 Upon arrival officers found 3 people at the residence had sustained injuries, with a male subject, Joshua Ruley, age 30, receiving at least two stab wounds.  Ruley's girlfriend, Jennifer L. Hayes-Asbury along with her 6 year old son had received injuries as well during the disturbance. 

 Investigation into the incident led to allegations that Joshua Ruley was excessively beating the 6 year old.  The mother intervened to stop Ruley and he attacked her.  During the attack Asbury managed to grab a pair of scissors or snips, utilizing them as a weapon to fend off Ruley inflicting the injuries to him. 

All three people were transported to the hospital where they received treatment.  The injuries to the 6 year old inflicted by Ruley were described by medical staff as serious, with hearing loss in one ear.  It is undetermined at the time of this release if the hearing loss is permanent damage. 

Ruley was arrested and taken to the Boone County Jail on a $50,000.00 bond for felony Domestic Battery 2nd Degree and Domestic Battery 3rd degree.  No charges have been filed against Asbury at this time.