Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Paying Student to Kill Estranged Husband

A substitute teacher in Ohio has been arrested after allegedly offering a student $2,000 to kill her estranged husband. Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was charged with felony conspiracy following the incident at The Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus on March 26. According to police, Demetrius approached a student and proposed the murder, providing him with a $250 down payment.

Sgt. James Fuqua of the Columbus Division of Police said, “This particular teacher was attempting to groom this young person into committing murder.” Investigators have confirmed that a recorded phone conversation exists between Demetrius and the student, discussing the remaining payment for the crime.

The situation came to light when the student, reportedly frightened by the request, went to his mother, who then contacted authorities. Early reports suggested the student’s mother found incriminating information on his phone, but law enforcement sources later clarified that it was the student’s own decision to reach out for help.

Investigators revealed that Demetrius had detailed plans for the murder, including when her children would be away from the home and when her estranged husband would be working from home. She also dismissed concerns about the potential for neighbors to hear gunfire.

Demetrius, who has posted a $150,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court next week for a preliminary hearing. The Academy for Urban Scholars High School declined to comment on the arrest.