Stephanie Demetrius, a substitute teacher in Ohio, has been accused of offering a student $2,000 to kill her estranged husband, prompting the student’s mother to alert authorities. Demetrius, 44, was arrested and charged with first-degree conspiracy for the murder-for-hire plot that she attempted to initiate with a student at The Academy For Urban Scholars High School in Columbus. The student was paid $250 as a down payment for the murder. The incident was brought to light when the student’s mother discovered text messages on her son’s phone between him and Demetrius.
During a recorded phone call between the student and Demetrius, the substitute teacher mentioned giving the student the remainder of the payment, claiming that she owed an additional “15.” She also provided information about when her children would not be home, so the student could carry out the murder of her estranged husband who worked from home. Demetrius allegedly said the neighbors would not hear the gunfire and displayed possessive and controlling behavior according to court records. Her estranged husband had previously obtained a protection order against her, citing threats and violent behavior.
Upon appearing in court, Demetrius denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated. The prosecutor stated that she had a history of violent behavior, including assaulting her husband and children, setting fires, and damaging property. Due to these concerns, she was released on a $150,000 bond and is barred from having any contact with her estranged husband or the student. Demetrius is scheduled to appear in court again on April 11, where the case will continue to be examined.
The plan to solicit a student to carry out a murder was foiled when the student’s mother alerted authorities about the text messages she uncovered on her son’s phone. Columbus Division of Police Sgt. James Fuqua emphasized the importance of the parent’s involvement in uncovering the murder-for-hire plot. The student’s mother played a crucial role in preventing a dangerous situation from escalating further. The incident raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the school where Demetrius worked, as well as the potential consequences of her actions.
The court filings also revealed that Demetrius had a history of mental health issues and had previously made homicidal threats. Her behavior, as described by the prosecutor, indicated a pattern of possessive and controlling tendencies. Given the allegations and the potential danger posed by her actions, Demetrius was released on a significant bond and faces restrictions on contacting her estranged husband or the student involved in the plot. The upcoming court date will provide further insight into the case and determine the appropriate legal consequences for her actions.
