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.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.