Suspected Meth Deal Turns Into Baseball Bat Beating

RIPLEY, W.Va. (AP) — Two people have been charged after officials say a Jackson County man was beaten with a baseball bat.

Citing court records, news outlets report 42-year-old Christopher Lafferty is charged with malicious wounding while 21-year-old Joseph Nelson faces an accessory charge in Tuesday's attack.

The victim told state police he was attacked by the men and hit several times with a bat. He sustained a large cut on his head, among other injuries.

Authorities located the suspects. Nelson told troopers he picked up Lafferty and the victim, thinking they were going to exchange meth, when Lafferty began attacking the victim.

At some point, the victim's hands and feet were tied with rope.

Authorities say Lafferty admitted to hitting the victim, but said he blacked out and couldn't remember what he did.

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