Falkville mom arrested after allegedly placing daughter’s arm on stove burner

By David Gambino  

For the Enquirer  

A Falkville woman was arrested Monday evening after her child called 911 and reported parental abuse, according to an investigator’s affidavit filed in Morgan County District Court on Tuesday. 

Donna Lorene Armes Chappell, 54, is charged with second-degree domestic violence, a Class B felony, and remained in the Morgan County Jail on Tuesday in lieu of a $5,000 bond, jail records show. 

Chappell is accused of grabbing her daughter’s arm and placing it against a hot stove burner, according to allegations in the affidavit signed by a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office investigator. 

Following the 911 call, deputies responded to the 90-block of Stackyard Road where Chappell and her husband permitted them entry into the residence, according to the affidavit. 

Deputies asked to speak to the child outside the home, and she told them that “verbal and physical abuse has been ongoing,” according to the affidavit. Deputies also observed several burn marks consistent with a stove burner. 

Paramedics then responded to the residence and transported the child to Decatur Morgan Hospital, noting that her injuries could be second-degree burns, according to the affidavit. 

Deputies said they notified the Morgan County Department of Human Resources about the incident.