Crime
8-Year-Old Ryder Smith Assaulted By His Music Teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary School
PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — An investigation is underway following allegations that an 8-year-old student was physically assaulted by a music teacher during class at Pleasant Hill Elementary School on November 5, 2025, according to the child’s mother.
The student, Ryder Smith, was participating in music class when the leg of his chair reportedly bent, creating an embarrassing situation.
His mother, Bethany Smith, stated that Ryder attempted to correct the issue himself by turning the chair over and trying to straighten the bent leg.
According to the family, the music teacher responded by yelling at Ryder and, without allowing him to explain, allegedly grabbed him by both shoulders and forcefully threw him backward.
Ryder reportedly struck a table before falling to the floor.
The mother further alleges that while her son lay on the ground crying, the teacher turned up the volume of the classroom music and continued to verbally reprimand him, instructing him to remain on the floor until the end of class.
The incident was reported by the child’s parent to the local sheriff’s office. The family states they were initially informed that the matter would be pursued and that the teacher could face arrest.
The case was later transferred to state police. The family was subsequently notified that no criminal charges would be filed, though they say no explanation was provided for that decision.
According to the mother, several students who were present in the classroom witnessed the incident and gave consistent accounts supporting Ryder’s version of events.
She also reports that the school’s principal—who also serves as the district superintendent—did not notify her of the incident. Instead, she was directed to contact the dean of students at the high school, who had no prior relationship with Ryder or his family.
When the family requested an official incident report, they were provided with what was described as a “referral report.” In that document, the teacher reportedly stated that he had “removed” Ryder from his chair.
The mother alleges that the school attempted to shift responsibility onto her son and that she learned key details of what occurred from another student—information she says conflicted with what school administrators initially told her.
The family further claims that school officials have not acknowledged the seriousness of a staff member physically handling a student.
The mother also alleges that this is not an isolated issue within Pleasant Hill Community Unit School District 4.
Earlier in the school year, she says another teacher in the district was asked to resign following multiple complaints from students and parents regarding abusive conduct.
In an email from the superintendent/principal, the family was informed that the teacher involved in Ryder’s case would return to the classroom effective January 5, 2026, and that the administration considers the matter closed as the district prepares for the second semester.
In a public social media post, Ryder’s mother wrote:
“My child is terrified to go back to school. I am terrified to send him back to school. I am beyond disgusted and disappointed in the decisions of the individuals I entrusted with my children by enrolling them in this district.”
The family states they are continuing to pursue legal action and remain committed to seeking accountability—not only for their son, but for other students they believe may be at risk.
They say they will continue advocating for student safety and transparency from school officials.
No additional comment has been released by the school district or law enforcement regarding the status of any internal review or disciplinary action.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Northern District responded to a reported shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility located in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the scene had already been secured by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), who had the suspected shooter in custody.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident stemmed from a dispute between two contracted security guards working inside the facility.
During the altercation, one of the guards discharged a firearm, striking the other.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore, Maryland. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that a third contracted security guard intervened during the incident, successfully disarming the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived.
Investigators confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and did not involve any Northrop Grumman employees.
There was no ongoing threat to the public or the facility following the incident.
Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Detectives conducted multiple witness interviews, while Evidence Collection Unit technicians processed the scene and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, Maryland.
He has been formally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and additional related offenses.
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the incident, saying:
“We are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore-area facilities. We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate the matter. The safety of our employees and contractors across all facilities remains our top priority.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing to gather information.
Anyone with knowledge related to the incident is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the county’s tip line at 410-222-4700.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.