Ohio Substitute Teacher Accused of Hiring Teen Student in Plot to Kill Estranged Husband

Ohio substitute teacher arrested for allegedly offering $2,000 to a student to murder her husband during divorce proceedings.

Columbus, Ohio — A 44-year-old substitute teacher is behind bars after being accused of orchestrating a shocking murder-for-hire plot involving one of her high school students. Stephanie Demetrius, a substitute at the Academy for Urban Scholars High School, was arrested last week after allegedly offering a student $2,000 to kill her estranged husband, with whom she was undergoing a contentious divorce.

According to court documents and statements from local authorities, Demetrius approached the unidentified student on March 26 and proposed the deadly plan. Police say she gave the student $250 in cash as a down payment and promised the remaining balance once the act was completed. The student’s age has not been publicly disclosed, nor has the identity of Demetrius’ intended target.

Authorities became aware of the plot and recorded a conversation between Demetrius and the teen. In the recording, Demetrius is reportedly heard reassuring the student that she would come through with the remainder of the payment, referencing an outstanding amount of “15,” presumably $1,500.

Investigators also say Demetrius provided the student with specific details about her husband’s daily routine, including when he and their children would be at or away from the family home. She allegedly pointed out that her husband worked from home, suggesting it would be an ideal location for a shooting. According to reports from The Columbus Dispatch, when asked if neighbors might hear gunshots, Demetrius allegedly replied, "They don’t care.”

This wasn’t the first time the couple had considered separating. Court records show that the pair initially filed for divorce in 2017, but the case was withdrawn. In April 2024, Demetrius filed for divorce again amid deepening personal conflict.

A reporter from The Dispatch reached Demetrius' husband by phone, but he declined to comment in detail, saying that his focus remains on protecting his children.

Last Thursday, Demetrius appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court, where Judge Jessica D’Varga set her bond at $150,000. The judge also issued a no-contact order, preventing Demetrius from communicating with her husband.

She faces one count of felony conspiracy to commit a crime and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 11.

This case unfolds as authorities investigate how far the plot may have progressed — and whether others could be involved. The Columbus community remains stunned by the nature of the charges, especially as the accused worked closely with youth in an educational setting.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of domestic violence or coercion, contact local law enforcement or a crisis hotline immediately.