Calhoun County, AL – On February 6, 2024 the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a possible home invasion attempt and shooting [see original article]. Upon completion of the crime scene work, investigators continued to develop more information that contradicted the originally reported event.
According to Sheriff Matthew Wade, deputies responded to a shooting call and discovered that the complainant, 46-year-old Wendy Ralston, had an active protection from abuse order against Ingram. Ralston told investigators that Ingram had violated the order by appearing at the residence and physically assaulting her earlier in the day. It was revealed that Ralston had not contacted law enforcement after the alleged assault.
Later in the day, Ralston advised that she returned to the residence with her daughter, 24-year-old Destynee Cheshire, who began searching the home in an attempt to locate Ingram. The investigation showed that Cheshire kicked open a locked bedroom door, encountering Ingram, and subsequently fired three shots at him with a 9mm pistol, causing injuries to his abdomen, arm, and leg. Ingram was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The subsequent investigation, aided by digital evidence, exposed a that the information provided to law enforcement had been fabricated to conceal the actual intent. It was revealed that Ralston misled law enforcement regarding the events and allowed Ingram into the residence in violation of the protection order, and was aware of his presence when she and Cheshire returned. Ralston now faces a felony charge of Assault 1st Degree and a misdemeanor charge of False Reporting to Law Enforcement. Cheshire faces a felony charge of Assault 1st Degree. Both have been taken into custody.
Sheriff Wade disclosed that Ralston, who had initially accused law enforcement of inaction, had maintained a secret relationship with Ingram. The investigation uncovered that Ralston had made false allegations to her daughter and others, ultimately leading to the shooting. Text messages discovered during a forensic examination of Ralston’s digital media even showed Ingram expressing suspicions of being “set up.”
Scott Ingram will still face charges of violation of Protection From Abuse order after he is released from medical care. Once a Judge has signed a protection order it may not be violated, even if the victim voluntarily invites the person named on the order to interact. He is no longer facing charges of home invasion.
Sheriff Matthew Wade expressed caution in arresting individuals claiming to be victims of domestic violence, emphasizing the gravity of such cases. He asserted that the investigation’s findings are clear and overwhelming, indicating Ralston’s manipulation of the system for personal benefit. He stressed that Ralston’s actions are not only offensive to true victims of domestic violence but have also caused physical harm to Scott Ingram and implicated him in the criminal justice system based on false accusations. The sheriff pledged to uphold justice and ensure accountability for those who exploit the system for personal gain.
