Judge Issues Arrest Warrant for Ex-Wolfpack Star

PITTSBORO, N.C. — A Chatham County judge Monday issued an order for the arrest of a former North Carolina State University basketball player who failed to show for his scheduled court appearance.

Marcus Melvin, accused of attempting to strangle his former girlfriend, is charged with felonious assault by strangulation and communicating threats, authorities said. He was released on a $12,500 secured bond.

Prosecutors said Melvin was in Italy.

The charges stem from an incident last August when Shaunesi DeBerry said Melvin got upset over a telephone bill and threatened to kill her during an argument, authorities said.

DeBerry told WRAL in August that the argument began after she learned that Melvin was cheating on her with a woman in Italy and that the other woman was pregnant with his child. She alleges that in the heat of the argument, he placed his hands around his neck.

Melvin played for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2004. Since graduating from the university, he has played basketball professionally in Italy.