Crime
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Teacher Nicole Staples Arrested After Viral Video Shows Her Repeatedly Beating Child With Belt
A Cottage Hill Christian Academy educator has been terminated and taken into custody after a viral social media video allegedly showed her physically assaulting a child with a belt more than 20 times during an off-campus incident.
The footage, which quickly circulated online, sparked widespread outrage and prompted an immediate investigation by authorities.
The suspect, identified as Nicole Staples, has been charged with willful abuse of a child under the age of 18.
According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Staples was arrested following the release of the disturbing video and is currently being held on a $7,500 bond.
She is scheduled to appear before a judge for a bond hearing on Friday.
Investigators say the video depicts a woman—allegedly Staples—striking a young boy repeatedly with a belt while shouting obscenities at him in connection to unfinished chores.
The audio in the footage captures the child crying in pain, and at one point, the woman can be seen forcefully pulling the child to the ground by his hair and lifting him again in a similar manner.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed the investigation began after the clip gained significant public attention online.
The department described the content as “extremely difficult to watch” and confirmed that the child involved has since been placed in a safe environment.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy released a formal statement addressing the incident, emphasizing its commitment to student welfare and transparency. According to the statement, school leadership became aware of the allegations on November 19, 2025, after concerns were raised regarding Staples’ conduct at her personal residence.
Although the alleged abuse did not occur on school property and did not involve a student from the institution, school administrators stated they took swift and immediate action, placing Staples on administrative leave before ultimately terminating her employment following confirmation of the allegations.
“Cottage Hill Christian Academy prioritizes the wellbeing of children above all else,”
said Head of School Chris Brazell.
“We will always act promptly, transparently, and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.”
The academy noted full cooperation with Mobile Police, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Human Resources, and the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office as the criminal case proceeds.
Authorities say the investigation remains active and additional charges have not been ruled out. Further court proceedings are pending.
Crowley, La. — A homicide investigation is underway following a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in Crowley, according to local authorities.
Officers with the Crowley Police Department responded on February 21 to reports of gunshots at the Canan Village Apartments.
Upon arrival, officers located a 21-year-old man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene and later identified as Cam’ron Scott.
Investigators reported that witnesses at the scene identified Javon Davis as the individual responsible for the shooting.
During the course of the investigation, officers recovered a used handgun believed to be connected to the incident.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Davis on a charge of second-degree murder.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect and are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Crowley Police Department at 337-783-1234.
The investigation remains ongoing.