Educational Specialist Charged In Altercation With Student

Location:
· New Castle School, 903 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:
· Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.

Victim:
· 13 year old male student

Defendant/Charge/Bond Information:
· Mark A. Murdock-41, of New Castle, DE (photo not available)
· Offensive Touching
· Arraigned and released on $100 Unsecured Bond

Resume:
New Castle-The Delaware State Police have arrested and charged a contracted Educational Specialist assigned to the New Castle School in connection with an altercation with a 13 year old male student.

On January 26, 2012 the State Police School Resource Officer assigned to the New Castle School was notified of a physical altercation between Mark A. Murdock-41, an Educational Specialist contracted through the Colonial School District, and a 13 year old male student. The investigation revealed that Murdock was assigned to monitor the In-School Suspension Room, located in the New Castle School, where the 13 year old student was attending for the day. Murdock and the victim engaged in a verbal confrontation allegedly over comments made several days prior. The verbal confrontation continued with an argument over a trash can placed in the center of the classroom, and the victim being instructed by Murdock to not touch it. The victim walked up and touched the trash can which led to Murdock initially placing the victim in a headlock. The victim was able to escape the headlock and the physical confrontation continued with Murdock again placing the victim in a headlock escorting him back to his seat. The victim received minor injuries to the neck and face, and was treated at school nurse’s office.

On Monday, February 6, 2012, Mark A. Murdock-41 of New Castle, DE was charged with Offensive Touching, arraigned and released on $100.00 Unsecured Bond.

Inquiries regarding Mark A. Murdock’s status with the New Castle School and the Colonial School District should be directed to the his employer, Positive Directions @ 302-654-9444