Evanston School Employee Charged After Alleged Juice Box Assault on Student

Paraprofessional accused of throwing juice box at 8-year-old with autism, sparking investigation and arrest

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled juice box against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing an alleged assault on a student.A recent incident of alleged staff misconduct toward a student with autism has raised concerns about safety and oversight in Evanston schools.Skokie Today

A 69-year-old paraprofessional at an Evanston-Skokie elementary school was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly throwing a juice box at an 8-year-old student with autism during class. The incident has prompted an investigation by the school district and police, as well as concerns from the student's mother about the child's safety and wellbeing at school.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the treatment of students with special needs in schools, as well as the importance of thorough investigations and accountability when allegations of staff misconduct arise. It also raises questions about the school district's handling of staffing changes and student supervision during a period of disruption.

The details

According to court records and emails, the incident occurred on March 18 at Lincoln Elementary when paraprofessional Isabella Young allegedly threw a juice box at an 8-year-old student who has been diagnosed with level-two autism. The student's mother, Cristina Leon, said her son was throwing a ball in the classroom when Young retaliated by picking up his juice box and throwing it at his head. Leon said her son was not injured but has become fearful of school since the incident.

  • The incident occurred on March 18 in the classroom.
  • Young was arrested on March 25 and charged with misdemeanor battery.
  • Young is expected to appear in court on April 27.

The players

Isabella Young

A 69-year-old paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary who was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly throwing a juice box at an 8-year-old student.

Cristina Leon

The mother of the 8-year-old student with autism who was allegedly targeted by Young. Leon filed a police report and is considering further legal action against the school district.

Evanston-Skokie School District 65

The school district that employed Young and has launched an internal investigation into the incident.

Angel Turner

The superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 who notified the community about the incident and the district's response.

Amber Samuels

The principal of Lincoln Elementary who informed Leon about the juice box incident and the district's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“It's been extremely discouraging to have a child who loved school, to go and be fearful. He can't tell me what's going on, but giving him a feeling chart and asking him how school makes him feel, he just says, 'scared.'”

— Cristina Leon, Mother of student

“Nobody has reached out to me personally from the district, and so, if that is what it comes to to make sure that these children are safe and they're following the laws put in place, then that's what I'll have to do. But I really want my neighborhood school to be safe for all children.”

— Cristina Leon, Mother of student

What’s next

Young is expected to appear in court on April 27 at the Skokie Courthouse, according to Cook County circuit court records. The school district's investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the paraprofessional has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and accountability when allegations of staff misconduct arise, especially when it involves vulnerable students with special needs. It also raises concerns about the school district's handling of staffing changes and student supervision during periods of disruption.