Substitute Teacher Charged in Murder-for-Hire Scheme Involving Student

An Ohio substitute teacher, Stephanie Demetrius, faces shocking accusations of orchestrating a sinister plot to hire a student to eliminate her estranged husband.

Key Takeaways

Stephanie Demetrius, a high school substitute teacher in Columbus, Ohio, is accused of a murder-for-hire plot involving a student.
Demetrius allegedly offered $2,000 to the student to kill her estranged husband.
The alleged plan was uncovered by the student’s mother, who found troubling messages and reported them to authorities.
The evidence includes a phone call recording between the teacher and the student.
Demetrius has been detained on a $150,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing set for April 11.

Accusations Against Stephanie Demetrius

Stephanie Demetrius, 44, allegedly masterminded a murder plot involving a student at a high school in Columbus, Ohio. Authorities claim she offered the student $2,000 to kill her estranged husband, supplying $250 as an initial payment. The chilling plan was allegedly unveiled when the student’s mother discovered alarming text messages and informed law enforcement.

The investigation revealed details of a recorded call between Demetrius and the student, offering insight into the alleged murder scheme. Police believe Demetrius shared information about her husband’s daily work-at-home schedule and attempted to downplay noise concerns related to gunfire.

High school teacher charged in murder-for-hire plot involving student paid to kill husbandhttps://t.co/RGHKAHtDHH

— ABC 33/40 News (@abc3340) April 4, 2025

Legal Proceedings and Defense

Demetrius currently faces serious charges, with authorities holding her on a $150,000 bond. Her preliminary legal hearing is scheduled for April 11. The defense has refuted the charges, arguing the allegations are baseless and unjust. Meanwhile, Demetrius is reportedly adhering to specific bond conditions.

The prosecution emphasizes the grave nature of these allegations, pointing to a recent or ongoing divorce process and prior threats by Demetrius against her husband. A protection order was reportedly taken against her. Despite the prosecutor’s firm stance, Demetrius has not made an official plea to the charges at this stage.

Reaction and Impact

The Academy for Urban Scholars High School, where Demetrius served, has yet to comment on the ongoing situation. Meanwhile, investigators consider this a troubling example of “groom[ing] this young person into committing murder,” as affirmed by Sgt. James Fuqua. The community awaits further developments as Demetrius’ legal proceedings continue.

This chilling incident emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly among parents monitoring their children’s interactions. Community members hope for justice and await the impending court proceedings to shed light on these grave allegations.