Substitute Teacher Charged After Allegedly Attempting To Hire Student To Kill Husband

An Ohio substitute teacher faces conspiracy charges after allegedly offering a student $2,000 to murder her estranged husband in a shocking plot uncovered when the student’s mother discovered incriminating text messages.

Key Insights

Stephanie Demetrius allegedly paid a high school student a $250 down payment toward a $2,000 fee to kill her husband, who had a protection order against her.
The purported plot was discovered when the student’s mother found suspicious messages on her son’s phone and alerted police.
Authorities have digital evidence including a recorded phone call between Demetrius and the student.
Demetrius has been released on a $150,000 bond pending her April 11 preliminary hearing.

Teacher Accused of Targeting Student for Murder Plot

Stephanie Demetrius, a substitute teacher at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus, Ohio, has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder after allegedly attempting to hire a student to kill her estranged husband. According to court documents, Demetrius approached the juvenile student with an offer of $2,000 to carry out the murder of her soon-to-be ex-husband, even providing a $250 down payment. The situation came to light when the student’s mother discovered disturbing information on her son’s phone and immediately contacted authorities.

Columbus police reports indicate Demetrius provided the student with detailed information about her husband’s schedule, home address, and vehicle description. When the student raised concerns about potential noise from gunfire, Demetrius reportedly dismissed these worries. Sergeant James Fuqua of the Columbus Police Department expressed alarm at the teacher’s actions, noting the serious breach of trust involved in the case.

Ohio teacher allegedly offered student $2K to kill estranged husband in foiled murder-for-hire plot https://t.co/ZvWK1s0Umb pic.twitter.com/p3E6H15dsK

— New York Post (@nypost) April 4, 2025

Evidence and Legal Proceedings

Police have gathered significant evidence against Demetrius, including text messages and a recorded phone call between her and the student. During her arraignment, prosecutor Parker Schwartz requested a high bond, citing the serious nature of the allegations and noting Demetrius’s husband had previously obtained a protection order against her due to what was described as “possessive and controlling behavior.” The court set bond at $150,000 with conditions including no contact with her husband or the juvenile involved.

Court records show Demetrius and her husband were in the midst of divorce proceedings at the time of the alleged murder plot. During her court appearance, Demetrius questioned the identity of the juvenile involved in the case, while her public defender claimed the charges were fake. The defense also noted that Demetrius is the mother of four children while requesting a reasonable bond amount. She has not yet entered a formal plea to the charges.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

While the criminal complaint did not specify Demetrius’ exact role at the high school, records indicate she holds a substitute teaching license in Ohio. The Academy for Urban Scholars High School has not issued any public statements regarding the situation. Columbus police credited the student’s mother for her critical role in preventing a potential tragedy, with Sergeant Fuqua acknowledging, “Without their help, some of this might not have come to light.”

The case has sent shockwaves through the Columbus education community, raising serious questions about the vetting and supervision of substitute teachers. According to court affidavits, Demetrius allegedly told the student she would provide the remaining payment after the deed was done. Demetrius is scheduled to appear for her preliminary hearing on April 11, where more details of the case may emerge.