Ohio Teacher Allegedly Offered Student $2K to Kill Her Soon-to-Be Ex-Husband in Murder-for-Hire Plot
In a chilling tale of manipulation and betrayal, Stephanie Demetrius, a 44-year-old substitute teacher from Ohio, was arrested this week after allegedly attempting to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot involving one of her students. The teacher, who worked at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus, Ohio, has been charged with first-degree conspiracy following a disturbing series of events that unfolded over several weeks.
The Plot Unfolds
Demetrius’ involvement in this chilling crime first came to light when the student’s mother discovered disturbing text messages exchanged between her son and Demetrius. These messages outlined a deadly plan in which the teacher allegedly offered the student $2,000 to kill her soon-to-be ex-husband. Upon seeing the nature of the communication, the concerned mother took immediate action, contacting the police to report the disturbing plot.
Sergeant James Fuqua of the Columbus Division of Police described the situation as deeply disturbing, stating, “This particular teacher was attempting to groom this young person into committing murder.” Fuqua’s words underlined the gravity of the situation, where a trusted figure in the school system allegedly used her position to manipulate a young individual into committing an unspeakable crime.
A Desperate Plan
According to the police report, the alleged scheme took root on March 26, 2025, when Demetrius approached the student with the chilling offer. She allegedly told the teen that she would pay him a substantial amount of money—$2,000—to kill her estranged husband. To seal the deal, Demetrius reportedly handed the student an initial down payment of $250.
The plot grew even more sinister when a phone call between Demetrius and the would-be hitman was recorded by authorities. During the conversation, Demetrius confirmed the details of the arrangement, including the remaining $1,750 owed for the murder. In an unsettling revelation, the teacher referred to the payment as “15” — an obvious shorthand for the amount still to be paid for the crime.
The phone call also revealed some chilling details about the teacher’s personal life and her knowledge of her husband’s routine. Demetrius mentioned that her soon-to-be ex-husband worked from home, and she even detailed when her children would be out of the house, providing the would-be killer with an opportunity to carry out the murder without interruption. In what can only be described as a terrifying display of indifference, the teacher reportedly told the student that the neighbors wouldn’t be concerned about any potential gunfire during the attack.
The Teacher’s Desperate Situation
Stephanie Demetrius, who has been married to her husband since 2004, was in the midst of a divorce when she allegedly hatched the sinister plot. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Demetrius may have been acting out of a combination of personal anger and frustration over her marriage’s dissolution.
However, her personal issues and emotional instability do not excuse her actions, especially given her position as an educator. Prosecutor Parker Schwartz described Demetrius’ behavior as “possessive and controlling,” citing previous threats she had made against her husband. These threats had resulted in the estranged husband obtaining a protection order against Demetrius, a move that underscored the dangerous nature of her behavior long before the murder-for-hire scheme surfaced.
Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
Demetrius appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Thursday morning, where her public defender vehemently denied the allegations against her. The defense team dismissed the charges as a fabrication, suggesting that there was no real intent to carry out the plot. However, the evidence presented by the prosecution, including the text messages and recorded phone call, paints a damning picture of the teacher’s actions.
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor outlined Demetrius’ history of possessive behavior and the alarming threats made against her husband, all of which contributed to the suspicion that she may have been capable of carrying out such a crime.
As the case progresses, Demetrius is being held on a $150,000 bond. Court records indicate that she has been prohibited from having any contact with her estranged husband or the minor involved in the case, a crucial precaution to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
A Shocking Breach of Trust
This case has shaken the community in Columbus, where many are left questioning how a trusted educator could have fallen so far from grace. Teachers are often seen as figures of authority and guidance, meant to foster growth and development in young people. Demetrius’ alleged actions, however, represent a grotesque abuse of her position, using her influence to manipulate a vulnerable student into committing a horrific crime.
The Academy for Urban Scholars High School, where Demetrius worked, is now under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. School officials have yet to comment on the specific details of the case, but it is likely that the institution will conduct an internal review of its hiring and vetting processes in response to the shocking allegations.
The Impact on the Community
For the student involved, the emotional and psychological toll of being caught in such a disturbing plot will be immeasurable. Authorities have not named the student, but his mother’s quick thinking and prompt decision to report the situation to the police undoubtedly prevented what could have been a senseless and tragic event.
In the coming weeks, as the legal proceedings continue, the community will likely grapple with the broader questions raised by this case. How could a teacher, a figure entrusted with shaping young minds, descend into such an appalling course of action? And what more can be done to ensure the safety and well-being of students in educational settings?
As more details emerge, this case is sure to remain a focal point of discussion, serving as a sobering reminder of the dangers of manipulation, the vulnerability of young people, and the terrifying potential for abuse of power in positions of trust.