EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Rachael Lucas, a former special education teacher at Charles Murphree School within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), has been arrested on charges of bodily injury to a child.
EPISD police took Lucas into custody last Thursday. She was released on bond the following Sunday. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KFOX14/CBS4, surveillance footage allegedly shows Lucas assaulting six non-verbal special needs students.
Court documents claim that Lucas used various objects—including her cellphone, a dustpan, toys, and a red broom—to intentionally harm the children. She’s also seen on video kicking a student’s chair, shoving others, and verbally berating multiple students.
EPISD confirmed that Lucas is no longer employed by the district. Jail records show she faces six charges related to the alleged abuse.
Lars Ache, a parent of one of the affected children, called the incident a “nightmare come true,” stating that his son was struck on the head with a broomstick.
The affidavit also names Lucas’ assistant, Steven David Gonzales, who was reportedly present during the assaults and failed to report them. He was arrested the same day and faces the same charge. Jail records show Gonzales also allegedly struck a student with an open hand.
The incident is dated May 23. Lucas’ teaching certification is now under review, and EPISD has declined further comment at this time.
