Janelle Brooks, the principal of Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee, has been arrested and charged with aggravated domestic assault after authorities say she abused her 13-year-old son, allegedly beating him with a paddle and strangling him until he struggled to breathe.
Background
Brooks, 38, was arrested on Aug. 20 following an investigation into allegations that surfaced after her ex-husband contacted the Portland Police Department over safety concerns for his children while they were staying with their mother, according to the Nashville Banner. The ex-husband said he was initially worried that Brooks' new boyfriend might be disciplining the children without his permission.
The allegations came to light as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding Brooks and her son. According to statements obtained by The Tennessean, the boy reported that his mother had ordered him out of her home but prohibited him from taking anything she had purchased for him, including his clothing. That left the 13-year-old in only his underwear.
The Investigation
Nashville Fox affiliate WZTV reported that Brooks allegedly grabbed a paddle and struck her son multiple times on the legs before wrapping her hands around his neck and squeezing until he was "wheezing" for breath. When detectives asked why the boy hadn't contacted police, he reportedly said he was not permitted access to a phone or electronic devices while at his mother's home.
In an interview with investigators, Brooks allegedly admitted to using a paddle to discipline her son. According to the arrest affidavit, Brooks stated that her son had "disrespected" her and that when she grabbed the paddle, he responded by saying "you're not going to paddle me." She reportedly told him he could leave but would not be allowed to take any items she had purchased for him.
Brooks also allegedly acknowledged going for her son's throat because she said he had "swelled up at her," though she claimed the boy grabbed her arms and tried to block her during the incident. She was charged with one count of aggravated domestic assault, court records show.
The Charges
Brooks was released from the Sumner County Jail on Aug. 21 after posting a $15,000 bond. She was served with an order of protection and is scheduled to make her first appearance in court Sept. 4, according to court records. One day after her arrest, Metro Nashville Public Schools placed Brooks on administrative leave pending an external investigation.
In an email to parents obtained by the Banner, the school district said the incident had nothing to do with Brooks' work at Warner Elementary. "The matter involving Dr. Brooks had nothing to do with her work as principal or to the operations of Warner Elementary," the district stated. "Because this is an ongoing personnel matter, we are unable to provide additional information at this time."
Key Takeaways
- Janelle Brooks served as principal at Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School in East Nashville before her arrest on Aug. 20
- She allegedly forced her son out in only his underwear before beating him with a paddle and strangling him until he was wheezing, according to police
- Brooks admitted to investigators that she used a paddle for discipline after claiming her son disrespected her, the arrest affidavit states
- She has been charged with one count of aggravated domestic assault and is being held on $15,000 bond
- Metro Nashville Public Schools placed her on administrative leave pending an external investigation
What's Next
Brooks is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Sept. 4. The school district's external personnel investigation remains ongoing, though officials have maintained the incident was unrelated to her professional duties at Warner Elementary. An order of protection has been issued in connection with the case.