Elementary School Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sam's Club Attack

Authorities say the teacher punched a shopper over rotisserie chickens

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 42-year-old South Carolina elementary school teacher named Ashley Murff was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching a shopper at a Sam's Club in Columbia over a dispute about buying multiple rotisserie chickens. The victim's friend claims Murff also used a racial slur against the victim during the altercation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tensions and conflicts that can arise in public spaces over seemingly minor issues, as well as the potential consequences when those disagreements turn physical and involve allegations of racial bias. It also raises questions about how teachers' off-duty conduct can impact their professional standing.

The details

According to reports, the disagreement started when the victim was attempting to purchase a second rotisserie chicken, apparently for an elderly woman who could not stand in line. Murff allegedly objected to the victim buying more than one chicken, leading to a verbal altercation that escalated when Murff punched the victim in the face as the victim was trying to photograph her.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday at a Sam's Club in Columbia, South Carolina.
  • Murff was arrested on Wednesday, several days after the alleged attack.

The players

Ashley Murff

A 42-year-old elementary school teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina who was arrested and charged with third-degree assault for allegedly punching a shopper at a Sam's Club in Columbia, South Carolina.

The victim

A shopper at the Sam's Club in Columbia who was allegedly punched by Murff during a dispute over buying multiple rotisserie chickens.

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What they’re saying

“That's when she called her the racial slur. She called her the racial slur twice, the N-word, and she said it twice.”

— The victim's friend (WACH)

What’s next

School officials have suspended Murff with pay while they investigate the off-campus incident that led to her arrest.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for seemingly minor disputes in public spaces to escalate into violent confrontations, as well as the complex issues that can arise when a teacher's off-duty conduct leads to criminal charges and professional consequences.