In a shocking and deeply disturbing case out of Columbus, Ohio, a substitute teacher at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot involving one of her own students.
Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with first-degree conspiracy after authorities say she offered a 17-year-old student $2,000 to murder her estranged husband.
The horrifying plot was uncovered thanks to the student’s mother, who discovered incriminating messages and quickly alerted police, potentially preventing a cold-blooded murder. The case, which has rattled the local community, paints a harrowing picture of manipulation and abuse of trust within the educational system.
The Plot Unfolds: A Chilling Offer to a Teen Student
The twisted plan reportedly began on March 26, when Stephanie Demetrius approached the student at school and made the unbelievable proposal: murder her soon-to-be ex-husband in exchange for $2,000. According to reports, the teacher paid the teenager $250 upfront as a down payment and promised the remaining $1,750 once the job was completed.
The offer wasn’t just a passing remark; Demetrius allegedly provided logistical details, including when her children would be out of the home to ensure her husband was alone and vulnerable.
Court records further revealed that the teacher asked the student during a recorded call whether the neighbors would hear the gunshots. Her cold response: “They don’t care about the neighbors.”
This chilling detachment raised even more alarms for investigators, who believed this was not simply a case of empty threats or emotional outbursts—but a carefully thought-out and disturbing criminal act.
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Sgt. James Fuqua of the Columbus Division of Police told reporters, “This particular teacher was attempting to groom this young person into committing murder.” The use of the word “groom” highlights how deeply manipulative and dangerous this encounter was, as Stephanie Demetrius tried to exploit a teenager’s impressionability to carry out a heinous act.
A Mother’s Instinct and Swift Action Prevents Tragedy
The murder-for-hire plot might have gone undetected if not for the vigilance and quick thinking of the student’s mother. She reportedly stumbled upon a series of text messages between her son and Demetrius, which immediately raised red flags.
Upon reading the exchanges, she notified authorities, likely saving the life of Demetrius’s estranged husband and sparing her son from being pulled into an irreversible criminal act.
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“Without their help, some of this might not have come to light,” Sgt. Fuqua emphasized. “This was a situation where a parent was able to capture things inside this young person’s phone and contact authorities.”
Police then took over the investigation, obtaining recordings of phone calls and text exchanges that confirmed the teacher’s intentions. In one of those calls, Stephanie Demetrius allegedly reiterated her promise to pay the remaining amount, saying she owed an additional “15,” referring to the outstanding $1,750.
This mother’s intervention not only saved a life but also exposed a dangerous individual who had access to impressionable young minds. Her courage to act in a high-stakes situation underscores the importance of parental involvement and monitoring, particularly in a world where young people can become targets of manipulation and coercion.
Disturbing Background: A History of Violence and Mental Health Concerns
As more details have emerged, a troubling pattern of behavior has been revealed in Stephanie Demetrius’s past. Court filings show that she and her husband, married since 2004, are currently in the midst of divorce proceedings. The relationship has been fraught with tension, violence, and legal disputes.
Prosecutors allege that Stephanie Demetrius had previously assaulted both her husband and some of her children, and had even set a fire in the basement of her home while the children were present. There are also reports of her smashing garage doors and damaging other property in fits of rage.
A protection order had already been issued against her by her estranged husband prior to this most recent incident, indicating longstanding safety concerns. Prosecutor Parker Schwartz stated that Demetrius has a history of “possessive and controlling behavior,” as well as documented mental health issues and past homicidal threats.
All of these factors suggest that the murder-for-hire plot was not a momentary lapse in judgment but rather the culmination of a prolonged period of instability and dangerous behavior.
In court, Stephanie Demetrius’s public defender denied the allegations and criticized them as fabrications. However, the mountain of evidence—including texts, recorded calls, and past behavior—will likely play a significant role in upcoming legal proceedings.
She appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Thursday and was released on a $150,000 bond, with strict conditions barring her from contacting the student or her estranged husband.
The case has left many in the Columbus community stunned and concerned about the safety of students and the ability of schools to properly vet substitute teachers. That someone entrusted to guide and educate children could instead try to manipulate them into committing a murder is both horrifying and deeply disappointing.
This story serves as a grim reminder of how broken relationships, mental health challenges, and unchecked behavior can spiral into devastating criminal acts. It also highlights the crucial role that vigilant parents, responsive school administrations, and proactive law enforcement play in preventing tragedies before they unfold.
As Stephanie Demetrius prepares for her next court appearance on April 11, the community waits for justice to be served and hopes for healing in the aftermath of this chilling ordeal.