Founder of Domestic Violence Nonprofit Accused of Domestic Violence: A Community's Response
A man who helped establish a nonprofit organization to combat domestic violence is now facing accusations of domestic violence from his son, as reported by Kentucky authorities. The Henderson Police Department received a report from the victim, alleging that his father, Michael “Jay” Randolph, had strangled him, resulting in visible bruises on his neck. Randolph, along with his wife, co-founded the Chloe Randolph Foundation, named after their daughter who was tragically killed by her estranged husband.
The incident on May 30 reportedly escalated from a disagreement between the father and son regarding the son's dogs and his desire to move out of their shared residence. The son recounted to the police that Randolph had forcefully pushed him against a window in his bedroom and proceeded to strangle him, obstructing his breathing for about a minute before releasing his grip. The son's children were present in the house during the altercation, although it remains unclear if they witnessed the physical confrontation.
During questioning by law enforcement, Randolph claimed that he was acting in self-defense against his son's alleged attack. He asserted that his son had aggressively lunged at him, causing a physical collision, which led to the bruising on the son's neck. However, the son denied making any aggressive movements towards his father, contradicting Randolph's account of the events.
Subsequently, Randolph was charged with first-degree strangulation and was taken into custody, later being released on bond. The Chloe Randolph Organization, based in Henderson, has been dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and offering support to survivors of such abuse. Kristie Randolph, the wife of the accused, mentioned that her husband was no longer actively involved in the nonprofit's operations, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to their mission despite the challenging circumstances.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and supporters of the Chloe Randolph Foundation continue to advocate for the prevention of domestic violence and the support of those affected by it. The organization's work remains steadfast in honoring the memory of their daughter and striving to make a positive impact in the fight against domestic abuse.