New Details Emerge In Attempted Murder Case

have released new details in the case of a Dracut man accused of trying to strangle his girlfriend in front of her children at a local motel.

According to , officers responded to a room at at around 4:15 a.m. on July 24 for a call of a domestic disturbance in progress. When they got to the room, officers found a man, later identified as Charles Varney, 49, of 21 Percey St., Dracut.

Inside the room, said Sheehan, officers found the alleged victim, who had scratch marks and redness on her throat.

The woman, whose two young chidren were present in the room, told officers that the problems started when she left the room to get something from the vending machines. While outside, she said, she met another woman who needed her car jumped.

The alleged victim told officers that Varney started screaming at her for having left the room. She went back to the room and told Varney that she was leaving and taking her two children with her.

According to Sheehan, the woman told officers that Varney then kicked her in the thigh with his bare foot. She asked him to return her cell phone, which he had hidden, and he refused, she said.

Sheehan said the woman alleges that Varney then grabbed her by the throat with both hands and lifted her off the ground. He then slammed her head against the wall two or three times and tried to strangle her, she said.

When Varney finally let her go, she said that she was able to get to a phone and called 911. It is unclear if Varney is related to the two children.

Varney was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder by strangulation, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery.

Sheehan reminded residents that anyone who suspects criminal activity should call the Dispatch Center at 978-851-7373.  People who wish to remain anonymous can call the Tip Line a978-851-0175 or send an email to tewks_detectives@tewksbury-ma.gov