A middle school classroom in Hendry County became the scene of chaos last week, and it wasn’t due to unruly students—it was allegedly encouraged by the adult in charge.
Ty’Asia Holmes, a 23-year-old substitute teacher, is facing serious charges after authorities say she encouraged two students to fight during class. What has made this case even more unsettling to many is what happened afterward—Holmes smiled in her mugshot, as if nothing serious had happened.
What Really Happened in the Classroom?
The incident took place at LaBelle Middle School. According to investigators, Holmes was substituting for a regular teacher when she apparently allowed, and even encouraged, two students to engage in a physical fight right there in the classroom.
The entire thing was captured on a student’s cellphone. That video—now circulating on social media—allegedly shows Holmes watching as the fight happens, without stepping in to stop it.
“It’s the exact opposite of what you expect a teacher to do,” said one parent who has a child at the school. “You send your kids to school thinking they’re in safe hands.”
Arrest and Viral Mugshot
Soon after the incident came to light, the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office arrested Holmes. She was booked on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
But what really caught people’s attention? Her mugshot. In the booking photo, Holmes is smiling—something that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
“It’s just disturbing,” said another parent. “A teacher is supposed to be a role model. That smile feels like she’s not taking any of this seriously.”
Holmes was later released on bond, but the backlash continues to grow.
The School District Responds
The Hendry County School District acted quickly. A spokesperson confirmed that Holmes is no longer employed with the district.
The school also launched an internal review to better understand how this incident unfolded and how such a thing was allowed to happen in the first place.
A Community in Shock
The news has spread fast throughout the LaBelle community, and reactions are strong—especially from parents and former educators.
“I was a teacher for 15 years,” said retired educator Lisa Warren. “If you see kids getting aggressive, you de-escalate the situation. You don’t encourage it. That’s child endangerment, plain and simple.”
Some are even questioning how Holmes was hired in the first place. Her background hasn’t been made fully public yet, but district officials say all substitute teachers go through a screening process. Whether that process was followed in this case remains unclear.
Legal Trouble Ahead
Holmes is facing legal consequences. The charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a serious one, especially given that the incident occurred on school grounds under her supervision.
While the case is still under investigation, legal experts say Holmes could face fines or even jail time if found guilty. Prosecutors will likely rely heavily on the video footage, which has become a key piece of evidence.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, school officials and law enforcement are working together to figure out how something like this could happen—and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
In the meantime, the two students involved in the fight are said to be okay physically, though it’s unclear what emotional toll this has taken on them.
Local families are hoping for accountability, but more importantly, they want reassurance that their kids are safe at school.
“We trust schools with our children,” said one father whose daughter attends LaBelle Middle. “That trust has to be earned back.”
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