Indiana Defensive Lineman Tyrone Burrus Jr. Will Not Face Charges After Domestic Incident Arrest

Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Tyrone Burrus Jr. will not face criminal charges following his arrest Thursday on preliminary allegations of felony strangulation and domestic battery.

Burrus, a 19-year-old redshirt freshman, was taken into custody and booked into the Monroe County Jail after police responded to a reported altercation at the Empire Apartments in Bloomington.

According to the Bloomington Police Department, the incident involved Burrus and 18-year-old Kira Motley. Both individuals were arrested following the dispute, but prosecutors have since determined that neither case will move forward.

Motley initially alleged that Burrus pushed her multiple times in the chest and shoulder area and strangled her with his hand and forearm, according to police reports. However, Burrus told investigators that Motley broke a mirror inside his residence, pushed him, and sprayed him with pepper spray, causing irritation to his eyes.

Burrus also reported multiple scratches on his neck, chest, shoulder, back, face, and arm. Police documented his reported injuries, interviewed a witness, and reviewed available video footage as part of their investigation.

On Friday, Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Kehr announced that prosecutors would not pursue charges against either individual.

“We determined that the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kehr said in a statement.

The Indiana athletic department had not released a statement regarding the incident.

Burrus appears to be the first Indiana football player arrested since head coach Curt Cignetti took over the program. Cignetti is entering his third season in Bloomington after leading the Hoosiers to a national championship season.

A native of Indianapolis, Burrus played in two games during his freshman season and entered the offseason competing for a larger role on Indiana’s defensive line. After an impressive spring, he was expected to be in the mix for playing time during the upcoming season.

With the charges now dismissed, Burrus’ status with the program will likely be determined by Indiana’s coaching staff and athletic department.