Teacher solicits student for murder in shocking plot
- Authorities arrested a high school teacher, Stephanie Demetrius, for soliciting a student to murder her husband for $2,000.
- Demetrius allegedly gave the student a down payment and specific details about her husband's schedule.
- The school immediately terminated her employment, and the case raised significant public concern regarding student safety.
In Columbus, Ohio, a high school staff member named Stephanie Demetrius was arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a student to kill her husband, Steven Demetrius. The incident reportedly occurred on March 26, 2024, when Demetrius solicited a student from the Academy for Urban Scholars with an offer of $2,000 for the hit. Authorities indicated that she provided the student with a $250 down payment and detailed information about her husband's schedule, even suggesting that they wouldn't need to worry about nearby neighbors potentially hearing gunfire. The shocking nature of the crime has led to significant media attention and public concern regarding the safety and well-being of students in educational environments. Following the student's mother discovering messages exchanged between Demetrius and her son, the school was notified, and police conducted an investigation. Columbus police obtained a recorded conversation confirming Demetrius's intentions, which has raised further alarm over the responsibilities of educators and the ethical standards expected of them. Stephanie Demetrius has denied the accusations, with her public defender labeling the charges as fabricated. Despite her claims, she was charged with felony conspiracy, a serious offense that underscores the gravity of her actions. Reports reveal that the ongoing family circumstances include a prior divorce filing in 2017, which was closed but later reopened in April 2024, hinting at underlying personal issues that may have contributed to her actions. The Academy for Urban Scholars High School took immediate action to terminate Demetrius's employment, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. In their statement, they indicated that the safety of students takes precedence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the student targeted in the alleged plot will receive counseling, reflecting the broader community's concern for the psychological impact such a traumatic situation can have on young individuals. A preliminary hearing for Demetrius is scheduled for April 11, 2024, as investigators continue to explore the case and formulate a clearer understanding of the motive behind her alarming actions.