Ohio school staffer arrested in alleged murder-for-hire plot involving student
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A high school substitute teacher working at a Columbus, Ohio, area charter school was arrested under the suspicion of engaging in a murder-for-hire arrangement with a student.

According to court documents, a student at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School, located in the Woodland Park area, was approached by a staff member and was offered $2,000 to kill her husband, with whom she is separated.

The staffer, later identified as 44-year-old Stephanie Demetrius, allegedly solicited the student by initially giving them a $250 down payment for the job. Police said digital information was collected, which included a recording of a phone conversation between Demetrius and the student.

During the phone call, Demetrius allegedly confirmed the remaining payment was not an issue, and that she owed an additional “15.” She also noted her husband worked from home and when the kids would be out of the house.

Police said that when the student asked if the neighbors would hear gunfire, she reportedly said that they don’t care about the neighbors.

Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua told Nexstar’s WCMH that the mother of the student had checked his phone and discovered messages between him and Demetrius. The mother and son then came forward to police.

Though the extent of Demetrius’ relationship with the student is unknown, Fuqua said there appeared to be some history.

“There was communication back and forth via cell phone,” he said. “So not only was she involved with this young person at school, but she was also involved with this young person via phone conversations. And we believe there was other outside communication outside the school.”

According to case reports with the Columbus Division of Police, Demetrius has twice violated an order of protection filed by her ex-husband. In the report the complainant alleged Demetrius, who reportedly still has a key to her former residence in Dublin, let his dog out and turned on the gas to the outdoor patio, started a fire in the basement, and another time arrived to pick up clothing, but left without officers escorting her.

Court documents also stated that Demetrius has tried to stab and run over her husband, and attempt to set his house on fire.

Demetrius, who is a registered substitute teacher according to the state’s board of education database, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with felony conspiracy. She was issued a $150,000 bond in Franklin County Municipal Court and ordered to next appear in court on April 11 for a preliminary hearing.

The Academy for Urban Scholars High School released a statement to WCMH and said Demetrius has terminated her employment.

Fuqua said at this time no charges have been filed against the teenage student.

“We’re thankful that we had a parent that is so active with a young person and staying on top of them, getting into their cell phone,” Fuqua said. “And, you know, without that, we’re not exactly sure where we would be.”

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