Background: J.C. Nalle Elementary School in Washington, D.C. (Google Maps). Inset: David Griggs and his mother, Shanice Griggs (Griggs family/WUSA/YouTube).
In a deeply unsettling incident, a teacher’s aide in Washington, D.C., has been accused of putting hot sauce in the mouth of a nonverbal student and allegedly justifying her actions by saying, “he deserved it.” This shocking event has raised serious questions about the safety and care of students with special needs in educational settings.
Imani Davis, the aide involved, has been charged with simple assault concerning the case of 9-year-old David Griggs. David, who has autism and is nonverbal, was in a special education class at J.C. Nalle Elementary School when the incident reportedly took place on September 11, 2025. Court documents indicate that Davis has pleaded not guilty and during a recent status hearing, she was presented with a plea deal that, if accepted, would result in probation rather than more severe penalties, as reported by an attorney representing the Griggs family through local CBS affiliate WUSA.
The disturbing details emerged from a police report, which was reviewed by WUSA. According to the account, a witness observed Davis donning gloves, applying hot sauce to her finger, and then placing that finger into David’s mouth. This witness subsequently reported the incident to their supervisor, prompting police intervention.
Shanice Griggs, David’s mother, expressed her anguish and anger over the incident. Speaking to WUSA, she recounted, “The principal tells me that the aide in the classroom put gloves on and put hot sauce in my son’s mouth. You harmed my baby at a place where I’m supposed to feel safe leaving him there with you guys. I want charges being put towards her. I want her never able to work with special needs children again, because what if she does this to other people’s children?”
In response to the allegations, the school’s principal reached out to families with a letter to address the situation. The letter emphasized the seriousness of the incident and reassured parents that the safety and well-being of students are of utmost importance. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains on edge, awaiting justice and assurances that such an incident will not occur again.
After the alleged assault, the principal of the school sent a letter to families notifying them of the allegation. “I want to acknowledge that this news is concerning and emphasize that the safety and well-being of our students remain paramount,” the letter reads.
The aide was placed on leave after the investigation commenced. The charge against her was handed down in November.
Davis, who had reportedly been working at the school for a month when the incident occurred, was apparently unrepentant, with the witness telling police that the aide said she committed the act because the boy “deserved it.”
Griggs said her son loved to go to school before the incident, but afterward, he was “traumatized.” She added that she got home from work that day and her son couldn’t tell her what happened because he’s nonverbal.
“And you knew that,” Griggs told the area’s Fox affiliate, WTTG, referencing the woman. “What type of human being is that?”
J.C. Nalle Elementary School’s website has an Imani Davis listed as a paraprofessional under its special education team.
A status hearing is scheduled for Davis on March 9.
