Fayetteville Murder Suspect Faces New Battery Charge

Kacey Jennings allegedly punched a deputy, causing a concussion

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the investigation into an alleged assault by an inmate on a deputy.The alleged assault on a Washington County deputy adds to the growing legal troubles of a murder suspect already held without bond.Washington Today

Kacey Jennings, who is currently jailed on a murder charge, is now facing an additional second-degree battery charge after allegedly punching a Washington County deputy in the face and giving them a concussion during an interaction last month.

Why it matters

This new charge against Jennings raises concerns about his behavior and treatment of law enforcement while incarcerated, as well as potential issues with his ability to mount an effective legal defense for the original murder case.

The details

Court documents claim that on March 12, Jennings allegedly punched a deputy in the face, causing them to suffer a concussion. Jennings has previously shared issues with jail staff, writing in a letter to the court in December 2025 that a guard had allegedly destroyed his legal paperwork while he was acting as his own defense. However, the state called this claim "unfounded" and said deputies reviewed over 100 hours of bodycam and surveillance footage and found no such interactions.

  • On March 12, Jennings allegedly punched a deputy in the face.
  • On April 8, 2026, a new charge of second-degree battery was filed against Jennings.
  • Jennings has a hearing in his battery case on April 13.
  • Jennings also has a hearing in his ongoing murder case later on April 13.

The players

Kacey Jennings

A 33-year-old man who is currently held without bond in the Washington County Detention Center since his 2022 arrest for allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, Alison Castro.

Washington County Deputy

A deputy who was allegedly punched in the face by Jennings, causing them to suffer a concussion.

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What they’re saying

“Jennings has previously shared issues with jail staff, writing in a letter to the court in December 2025 that a guard had allegedly destroyed his legal paperwork during the period of time where he was acting as his own defense.”

— Kacey Jennings

“The state called the claim "unfounded" and said deputies viewed over 100 hours of bodycam and surveillance footage and found no such interactions.”

— State

What’s next

Jennings has a hearing in his battery case on April 13. He also has a hearing in his ongoing murder case later that morning.

The takeaway

This new battery charge against Jennings raises concerns about his behavior and treatment of law enforcement while incarcerated, as well as potential issues with his ability to mount an effective legal defense for the original murder case he is facing.