Sheriff: Calhoun Co. woman made up story about home invasion, shooting

CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - A Calhoun County mom and daughter are under arrest after the sheriff said the mom misled authorities about a home invasion and shooting.

Wendy Ralston, 46, and her daughter, Destynee Cheshire, 24, are in the Calhoun County Jail. Ralston is charged with first-degree assault and a misdemeanor charge of false reporting to law enforcement. Cheshire is charged with first-degree assault.

Sheriff Matthew Wade said deputies responded to a shooting on Pattiway Drive in Alexandria Feb. 6. Ralston told authorities that Scott Ingram physically assaulted her and that she escaped from the home earlier in the day. Ralston did not contact law enforcement at that time.

Wade said Ralston told authorities she and Cheshire came home and Cheshire began searching the home in an attempt to find Ingram. The investigation shows Cheshire kicked open a locked bedroom door and found Ingram in the room.

Deputies said Cheshire fired three shots at Ingram with a 9mm pistol, hitting him three times, once in the stomach, arm and leg. Ingram was taken to a hospital.

Wade says through their investigation they believe Ralston allowed Ingram to stay with her, even though she had a protection from abuse order against him. Ralston claimed that he had appeared at the home in violation of that order. Wade said Ralston filed false reports with law enforcement and filed a warrant under false pretense.

Wade also says Ralston made detrimental allegations to Cheshire that led to Ingram being shot. In addition, Wade said Ralston tried to hide the facts from law enforcement but they were discovered through a forensic examination of digital media belonging to Ralston. Ingram even told Ralston in a text that he felt like he was being “set-up.”

Wade added Ralston made allegations that she didn’t call law enforcement due to our lack of action. In reality, Ralston had a secret relationship with Ingram, Wade said.

“As Sheriff, I take great caution in arresting anyone claiming to be a victim of domestic violence. However, the facts discovered in this investigation are clear and overwhelmingly proves that Ralston has lied manipulating the system for her person benefit. In addition, her lies has caused the physical injury to Scott Ingram and caused him to be accused in our criminal justice system. Ralston’s actions are offensive to the true victims of domestic violence and law enforcement, said Wade.”

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