Bipolar woman posed as a substitute teacher at her former Milwaukee school because she 'hates kids' and was 'bored'

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Amy Jones, 23, spent three class periods hurling racial slurs, sexually derogatory remarks and profanities at students after slipping into Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee on September 24, having spent a week surveilling the school in advance. She divided pupils by race and gender, directed the slur 'motherf***ers' at white students, asked girls whether they wanted to become 'strippers or hookers', and told two white students they were 'the type to start school shootings'. Jones faces one count of impersonating a public employee and five counts of exposing children to harmful descriptions, carrying a potential 21-year prison sentence. When police interviewed her six days later, she was reportedly 'snapping her fingers and dancing' as she recounted her actions.

Jones 'got lucky' because eight teachers were absent that day yet the sign-in sheet showed only seven substitutes, leaving one classroom uncovered.

Her lawyer Michael Cerniglia said Jones, who has bipolar disorder, was 'experiencing an acute manic episode' after a delayed prescription delivery left her unmedicated.

Principal Doreen Badillo confirmed the school office 'did not follow proper district protocol in validating' Jones as a legitimate substitute teacher.