Missouri Father Charged After Ordering 6-Year-Old Daughter to Repeatedly Punch Another Girl on School Bus, Police Say

FERGUSON, MISSOURI — A Missouri father has been charged after allegedly forcing his 6-year-old daughter to repeatedly punch a 7-year-old girl on a school bus — telling her to continue the attack until the child was crying, authorities say.

Maurice Fox, 36, was arrested and charged with first-degree harassment, two counts of fourth-degree assault, and trespassing on a school bus, according to St. Louis County jail records. The disturbing incident took place on October 9 in Ferguson, while Fox turned himself in to police nearly two weeks later.

Father Boards Bus, Pushes Driver Aside

Around 9 a.m., a Ferguson-Florissant School District bus stopped along Frost Avenue to pick up students. Prosecutors say Fox and his daughter boarded the bus, even as the driver tried to stop them by extending his arm across the aisle.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, Fox pushed the bus driver’s arm away and marched down the center aisle toward a 7-year-old girl his daughter had pointed out.

The father then reportedly told his daughter,

“Do what I told you to do.”

Moments later, the young girl began punching the 7-year-old victim in the head, the affidavit says.

“I Want Her Crying” — Repeated Commands to Attack

When the child stopped hitting the victim, Fox allegedly ordered her to continue.

“Again,” he said, prompting his daughter to resume punching the girl in the head.

After another brief pause, Fox allegedly shouted,

“I want her crying — again!”

The daughter then struck the victim with closed fists, according to investigators.

When the attack finally stopped, Fox and his daughter exited the bus. Surveillance video later confirmed the entire incident.

Police Condemn Violence, Urge Non-Confrontation

Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle called the act “deeply disturbing” and said no child should be subjected to violence in what’s supposed to be a safe environment.

“No child should ever be exposed to that kind of behavior, especially in a setting that should feel safe, like a school bus,” Doyle said. “We encourage parents and guardians to work with school officials, counselors, and community resources when facing conflicts involving their children. Collaboration and communication — not confrontation — are how we keep our kids and schools safe.”

Authorities noted that Fox has prior felony convictions, including armed robbery, aggravated battery, and firearm possession.

Fox was booked into the St. Louis County Justice Center and remains in custody pending a bond hearing.

Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for more updates on this developing case.