Father Allegedly Instructs Daughter to Beat Schoolmate on Bus
Missouri school bus, 2021. Photo courtesy of Iipilot45 under CC BY-SA 4.0.
On a crisp October morning in Ferguson, Missouri, a school bus ride took a disturbing turn that has since captured public attention and sparked a serious legal response. Maurice Fox, 36, allegedly boarded a school bus with his 6-year-old daughter and instructed her to repeatedly punch another young student. The incident, which unfolded on October 9, 2025, was caught on video and has reportedly led to multiple charges against Fox, including first-degree harassment, trespassing, and assault, with a $100,000 bond set for his arrest.
A Shocking Scene on the School Bus
The video released by the Ferguson Police Department shows Fox entering the bus despite the 64-year-old driver's attempts to stop him. He reportedly pushed the driver's arm aside and proceeded down the aisle with his daughter. According to an affidavit in support of the arrest warrant, once on board, Fox allegedly directed his daughter to attack a 7-year-old girl, telling her to "do what I told you to do" as she began throwing punches, as reported by NBC News. When the child paused, Fox allegedly urged her to continue, saying he wanted the other girl "crying again." The footage captures the young girl delivering multiple blows to her classmate's face while Fox watches and encourages her.
Warning: Violence
The incident was not only witnessed by the children on the bus but also by the bus driver, who tried to intervene. Fox's actions escalated the situation from a simple schoolyard dispute to a criminal matter, prompting law enforcement to act swiftly.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Fox faces serious legal consequences. St. Louis County prosecutors have charged him with first-degree harassment, trespassing on a school bus, and two counts of fourth-degree assault — one related to the child who was attacked and another concerning the bus driver, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The prosecuting attorney, Melissa Price Smith, described the charges as preliminary and indicated that additional charges might be forthcoming after the case is reviewed by a grand jury, as reported by NBC News.
A search warrant has been issued for Fox's arrest, and he remains at large. The bond has been set at $100,000, reflecting the severity of the allegations and the potential risk he poses. Authorities have made several attempts to contact Fox, but he has avoided speaking with detectives, according to Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle, as reported by WABI 5 News.
Public and Official Reactions
The Ferguson Police Chief called the incident "disturbing and completely unacceptable," emphasizing the seriousness of a parent instructing a child to resolve conflict through violence, as reported by PEOPLE. He added, "We urge him to contact the Ferguson Police Department immediately or come in and speak with our investigators to give his account of the incident."
Fox reportedly created a GoFundMe page seeking donations for his legal defense, which was later removed by the platform for violating terms of service that prohibit fundraising for individuals charged with violent crimes, as reported by NBC News. The police chief pointed out the irony of Fox avoiding contact with law enforcement while soliciting public funds for his defense saying, "You cannot crowdsource accountability."
In an online statement reported by NBC affiliate KSDK of St. Louis, Fox said he felt he had "no other choice as a parent" and that his only intention was to "protect" and "empower" his child "in a world that hasn't protected her." NBC News noted it did not independently verify this statement.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District also weighed in, condemning the incident and affirming their cooperation with law enforcement. The district stressed that school buses are considered "an extension of the school campus" and that trespassing and violent behavior on buses are "completely unacceptable," as reported by PEOPLE. They reiterated that student and staff safety remains their top priority.
A Troubling Background
Court documents reveal that Fox has a criminal history, including prior convictions for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and unlawful firearm possession, PEOPLE reports. This background adds gravity to the current charges and may influence the legal proceedings ahead.
What the Video Shows
The surveillance footage is a stark visual record of the incident. It allegedly captures Fox's repeated commands to his daughter to continue the assault, his threats toward the other child, and the physical altercation itself. The video shows Fox telling the other child not to touch his daughter again, warning that her parents would have to "talk to me" if she did, as reported by NBC News. The 6-year-old then throws multiple punches, stops briefly, and resumes at Fox's insistence.
The Human Element
While the legal and procedural details dominate the story, the human impact is undeniable. The child who was attacked was visibly shaken in the video, reportedly shaking her head repeatedly as the assault continued. The bus driver, caught in the middle, attempted to maintain order but was physically pushed aside by Fox. The incident raises questions about safety on school transportation and the responsibilities of adults in protecting children.
What Comes Next
As the case moves forward, the community and authorities await further developments. The grand jury's review may bring additional charges, and Fox's arrest remains a priority for law enforcement. Meanwhile, the school district and police continue to emphasize the importance of safety and accountability.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges schools face in maintaining safe environments and the serious consequences when adults fail to model appropriate behavior. For now, the focus remains on the legal process and ensuring justice is served for all involved.
If you want to stay informed on this developing story and others like it, keep an eye on updates from local authorities and trusted news sources.
References: Dad Charged After Allegedly Telling 6-Year-Old to Hit Another Student | Missouri dad ordered daughter, 6, to assault another child on a school bus, authorities say | Video allegedly shows father instructing 6-year-old daughter to hit student on school bus
