Award-Winning Teacher Faces Serious Charges After Walmart Parking Lot Incident
In a shocking turn of events that has stunned the Charleston educational community, Sade Delesia Nacheyle Nelson, a 37-year-old educator who was recently named the 2025 “Teacher of the Year” at St. John’s High School in Charleston, South Carolina, now finds herself facing multiple serious charges following an altercation during what should have been a routine custody exchange. The incident, which occurred on October 18 in a Summerville Walmart parking lot, has resulted in Nelson being placed on administrative leave by the Charleston County School District while authorities investigate the matter. The charges against her include third-degree assault and battery, domestic violence of a highly aggravated nature, and unlawfully placing a child at risk or causing harm.
According to Summerville police reports, what began as a custody exchange quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. The father of Nelson’s child told investigating officers that when he opened the passenger door of Nelson’s car to pick up his son, she allegedly began punching him repeatedly. He reported falling away from the vehicle in an attempt to escape the physical assault. However, the situation apparently didn’t end there—surveillance footage from the Walmart parking lot reportedly captured Nelson accelerating her vehicle toward the man, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. Police reports also indicate that Nelson allegedly assaulted not only her child’s father but also his girlfriend during the heated exchange.
The accounts of what happened that day vary significantly between the parties involved. While the child’s father described being attacked when attempting to collect his son, Nelson provided a very different version of events to police. She claimed that it was the father who initiated the attack, allegedly assaulting both her and their son after opening the car door. This stark contrast in testimonies has complicated the investigation, though the surveillance footage appears to have provided critical evidence regarding at least part of the incident. The case has drawn significant attention not just because of the serious nature of the charges but also due to Nelson’s prominent position as a celebrated educator within the community.
The situation represents a dramatic fall from grace for Nelson, who had recently been recognized for her excellence in teaching with the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” award. Such recognition typically highlights an educator’s dedication to their students, innovative teaching methods, and positive contributions to the school community. The stark contrast between this professional achievement and the allegations now facing her has left many in the community struggling to reconcile these seemingly contradictory aspects of her life. It also raises broader questions about the pressures faced by educators, particularly those juggling the demands of professional recognition with the challenges of co-parenting arrangements and personal relationships.
The Charleston County School District has responded to the situation by placing Nelson on administrative leave, a standard procedure when teachers face serious criminal allegations. This measure protects both the school community and the accused while the legal process unfolds. It allows for a full investigation to take place without disrupting the educational environment or prematurely judging the teacher involved. The district has indicated that Nelson’s employment status will ultimately depend on the outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings, demonstrating the serious approach educational institutions must take when addressing allegations of violence involving their staff members.
This case highlights the complex intersection of professional achievement, personal relationships, and co-parenting challenges that many individuals navigate daily. It serves as a reminder that even those recognized for their professional excellence may face significant personal struggles behind closed doors. As the legal process moves forward, the community will likely continue to grapple with how to respond to these allegations while maintaining appropriate support for everyone involved, including Nelson’s students who may be confused or distressed by their teacher’s sudden absence. The ultimate resolution of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications not only for Nelson’s career but also for her family relationships and the broader educational community in Charleston.
