Missouri Father Charged After Allegedly Inciting Daughter to Assault Another Child on School Bus

A disturbing incident aboard a Missouri school bus has led to serious charges against a father accused of instructing his own 6-year-old daughter to assault another child. The St. Joseph community is grappling with the details surrounding Cody Ray Perdue, 30, who now faces a charge of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child following the shocking allegations.

Authorities in St.

Joseph allege that Perdue was present on a school bus when his young daughter was involved in an altercation with another 6-year-old boy. What followed, according to police, was not an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but rather an alleged encouragement of further violence. Witnesses reported hearing Perdue explicitly tell his daughter to "hit him again" and "hit him hard," escalating an already concerning situation into a deliberate act of aggression.

The incident, which unfolded on the school bus, reportedly left the young boy, also 6, in distress.

The aggressive encouragement from an adult, especially a parent, during a confrontation between two young children, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about parental responsibility and child safety in supervised environments like school transportation.

When questioned by police, Perdue reportedly claimed his daughter was being bullied by the boy.

While addressing bullying is a critical concern for any parent, law enforcement maintains that instructing a child to commit assault is not an appropriate or legal response. This defense is unlikely to hold up against the gravity of the alleged actions.

Crucial evidence in the case includes surveillance footage from the school bus, which reportedly captured the entire incident, including Perdue's alleged directives.

The bus driver and a bus aide also served as witnesses, corroborating the allegations against the father. This comprehensive evidence paints a clear picture of the events that transpired.

Perdue was formally charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, a felony. The seriousness of the charge underscores the legal system's view on adults who allegedly involve children in acts of violence, particularly when they are the instigators.

He was subsequently held on a $5,000 cash-only bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.

The St. Joseph School District has acknowledged the incident, stating their commitment to student safety. While they did not release specific details due to student privacy, they emphasized cooperation with law enforcement.

Such incidents underscore the challenges school districts face in ensuring a safe environment, even with staff supervision and modern surveillance technology.

This unsettling case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities adults hold in guiding children's behavior and resolving conflicts peacefully.

The alleged actions of Cody Ray Perdue have not only put a young child at risk but have also opened a broader dialogue on acceptable parental intervention and the protection of children from harm, even when that harm is allegedly instigated by an adult meant to protect them.