Local high school teacher accused of strangling woman

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - A Shelbyville High School teacher has been arrested after being accused of strangling a woman.

Ryan Brown was arrested and charged with aggravated domestic battery, unlawful restraint, and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.

The Shelby County States Attorney's Office said Brown was arrested Aug. 3 after he strangled a woman. They said he also prevented the victim from leaving the residence and prevented her from calling 911 by taking her smart watch off her wrist and smashing it.

Court records show Brown admitted to strangling the woman and admitted to breaking her leg in a previous incident. He also admitted to strangling her until she lost consciousness in the past.

A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 25.

Shelbyville High School Principal Kyle Ladd confirmed to WAND that Ryan Brown is a teacher. He could not comment on Brown's current employment status and deferred us to the superintendent's office. WAND has reached out to that office for comment.

The District sent WAND a copy of the letter that was sent out to parents.

It reads:

"Dear parents/guardians,

The Shelbyville School District has been informed that an employee of the district was arrested. We are naturally concerned by the report of the arrest and by the troubling allegations.

We understand the Shelbyville Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the alleged conduct. The District has no further information regarding the allegations and cannot comment further on the law enforcement investigation, the potential criminal prosecution or legal procedures.

In the meantime, the Shelbyville School District is pursuing its own investigation into the situation and will take any necessary actions. The safety and security of our students is paramount, and the appropriateness of the educational environment is of course crucial to our mission. The administration and Board of Education will take appropriate steps to investigate and will take any and all necessary action to protect the welfare and security of Shelbyville School District students.

The district has made substitute teacher arrangements for the employee's classes when school begins on Thursday, August 14, 2025."