Ohio teacher busted for paying student $250 down payment in alleged murder-for-hire plot against husband

Ohio teacher busted for paying student $250 down payment in alleged murder-for-hire plot against husband

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1 min read
April 3, 2025
A Columbus teacher allegedly offered a student cash to kill her husband—complete with scheduling details.

COLUMBUS, OHIO — A substitute teacher in Ohio is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly attempting to recruit a high school student to kill her husband during a contentious divorce, authorities said.

Key Points:

  • Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was arrested for allegedly hiring a student to kill her husband.
  • She reportedly gave the student $250 and promised more for completing the murder.
  • Authorities say she provided detailed schedules of her family to aid the plot.

Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was arrested last week and charged with felony conspiracy to commit a crime, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime. Investigators say Demetrius approached a student at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School in Columbus on March 26 and offered $2,000 to carry out the murder.

Documents obtained by local station WSYX indicate Demetrius provided the student with a $250 cash down payment and discussed the remaining balance in a recorded conversation. In that conversation, she allegedly told the student she was “good for the remainder” and acknowledged he was still owed “15.”

Further evidence outlined by The Columbus Dispatch shows Demetrius allegedly gave the student detailed information about her husband’s and children’s schedules. Authorities believe the intent was to ensure the murder could be carried out when the husband was alone.

Demetrius’ last name is listed in some court and jail records as “Demetrious.” Her husband has not been publicly identified, and the student’s age and name are being withheld.

The school has not released a statement regarding the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges may be filed.

Demetrius remains in custody as she awaits a court appearance on the felony charge.

Phil Stilton

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