Substitute Teacher Allegedly Offered Student $2,000 To Murder Her Husband

A substitute teacher in Ohio is accused of orchestrating a shocking murder-for-hire scheme in which she attempted to recruit a student to kill her husband.

Key Takeaways

Stephanie Demetrius, a high school substitute teacher in Columbus, Ohio, faces charges of planning a murder-for-hire plot involving a student.
Demetrius allegedly offered a student $2,000 to murder her estranged husband, with a $250 down payment.
A recorded phone call between Demetrius and the student serves as digital evidence.
The alleged plot was discovered when the student’s mother found suspicious information on her son’s phone.
Demetrius has been released on a $150,000 bond with specific conditions.

Arrest and Charges

Stephanie Demetrius, a substitute teacher in Columbus, Ohio, is at the center of a shocking criminal case, charged with a murder-for-hire plot. Authorities allege she enlisted a student to carry out the plot against her estranged husband, offering $2,000 for the act, with an initial payment of $250 already made. Demetrius’s alleged actions have sparked outrage and disbelief within her community as details of the scheme unfold.

The student, whose name remains confidential due to his age, became involved after Demetrius allegedly provided detailed plans, including her husband’s schedule. Digital forensics uncovered a recorded phone call where Demetrius confirmed the student would receive the balance post-act. The student’s mother brought the alleged conspiracy to light after finding alarming evidence on her son’s phone and reporting it to the authorities. This parental intervention was crucial in unraveling the plot.

Stephanie Demetrius was charged with conspiracy for allegedly asking a juvenile at the Academy for Urban Scholars to commit the murder, according to court documents. https://t.co/dwcEYobyI0

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) April 4, 2025

Court Proceedings and Defense

Demetrius has been released on a $150,000 cash surety bond under specific conditions. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 11. The area prosecutor has highlighted the case’s severity, citing previous threats made by Demetrius. Meanwhile, her public defender argues the charges are fabricated while Demetrius has yet to enter a plea. The court proceedings are closely monitored, reflecting the community’s interest and the gravity of the allegations.

The defense also pointed out that Demetrius is a mother of four, arguing for a reasonable bond considering her circumstances. Prosecutor Parker Schwartz, on the other hand, said that Demetrius had a history of “possessive and controlling behavior,” along with a protection order from her husband. She was released under the condition that she have no contact with her husband or the student.

In light of these events, the Academy for Urban Scholars High School, where Demetrius worked, has not yet commented publicly. The criminal proceedings and investigations will continue to unfold, potentially shaping the community’s perspective of educators’ roles and limitations within the school system.

This arrest and the subsequent fallout highlight the critical role of vigilance in educational settings and the importance of reporting suspicious activities promptly. As the case develops, stakeholders will evaluate necessary institutional safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.