Alabama Teacher Arrested After Viral Beating Video

A shocking viral video has led to the arrest and termination of a former Alabama teacher after she was allegedly captured brutally beating her son with a belt. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, involves Randi Nicole Staples, a 44-year-old former educator at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile County.

The Viral Video and Allegations

The disturbing footage, recorded by a family member, shows Staples allegedly striking her 12-year-old son more than 20 times with a belt. The video, which circulated on social media, depicts Staples yelling at the child before throwing him to the ground by his hair and continuing the assault while he pleads for her to stop. The incident reportedly occurred after the child failed to complete chores to Staples' satisfaction.

"Discipline is supposed to be for corrective action. That went way beyond that," said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch. "Snatch him up by his hair and yell and curse the way that she did, working for a Christian school, I thought was repulsive. It’s sickening to see somebody do that to their child."

Family Revelations and Ongoing Investigation

Staples' 24-year-old son, Jackson, spoke out about the incident, revealing that the abuse was not an isolated event. "She done it to me my whole life," he stated, noting that his younger brothers were also subjected to similar treatment. Following the video's circulation, Jackson reported the incident to authorities, and his younger brothers have since been placed in a safe location with their aunt.

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with interviews with multiple witnesses, including another adult no longer living in the home. "There could be additional charges forthcoming as this investigation unfolds," Burch warned, emphasizing the safety of the children as the top priority.

School Response and Legal Consequences

Cottage Hill Christian Academy swiftly terminated Staples' employment upon learning of the allegations, despite the incident occurring off-campus. The school released a statement affirming its commitment to a "safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment" and noted that Staples' "off-campus conduct" necessitated immediate administrative action.

Staples was arrested on November 19, 2025, and charged with willful abuse of a child under 18. She was released from Metro Jail the following evening after posting a $7,500 bond. Her formal bond hearing is scheduled for Friday, November 21.

Community and Legal Implications

The case has ignited a debate on the boundaries of discipline, particularly in light of Staples' role as a teacher at a religious institution. Sheriff Burch highlighted the stark contrast between her professional reputation and her alleged actions at home. "It's almost like a dual personality," he remarked. "By all accounts, I'm told she is a good teacher and well respected. And yet what happens in the home is clearly opposite of that."

As the investigation continues, the community remains concerned about the welfare of the children involved and the broader implications for child welfare laws in Alabama.

[IMAGE_1: Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch speaking at a press conference regarding the Staples case]