‘Child Fight Club’ Defendants Denied Motion to Modify No-Contact Order

JONESBORO, Ark. — The case that the prosecutor referred to as a ‘child fight club‘ was in court this week in Jonesboro.

On Sept. 5, 2025, the court heard motions to modify the no-contact orders for defendants Katherine Lipscomb and Kristin Bell. Lipscomb, represented by attorney Randel Miller, and Bell, represented by attorney Bill Stanley, asked to have the schools where the alleged abuse occurred removed from the orders so they could return to work.

Both Lipscomb’s and Bell’s motions are almost identical, mentioning that the address is not only the location for Engage of Jonesboro, but also the Delta Institute for Developing Brain, 1919 Craighead County Road 333.

“The student involved in this allegation is no longer with the school, and a few other students have left,” Each defendant’s motion said. “The vast majority of the students have remained at the school. The parents of these students are very involved in the school and intend to remain if the school can continue to provide the needed services.”

Both motions said the schools provide highly specialized services to their students, and it would be “extremely difficult” for the schools to continue without the defendants.

Judge Chris Thyer heard arguments from both sides, including Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Calaway and Prosecutor Sonia Hagood. The judge denied the motion.

“I cannot comment on the specific facts of the case, but I can say that Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Calaway did an outstanding job advocating for the State and presenting our position,” said Hagood.

NEA Report reached out to attorney Randel Miller for comment.

“About the only comment that I can make is that I was very disappointed in the judge’s decision today, and that the return of these two teachers is essential to the school moving forward,” Miller said. “The school serves a very vital purpose, and these two teachers are desperately needed to allow the school to continue to do the good work it’s been doing.”

We also contacted attorney Bill Stanley to request a comment, but have not received a response as of this publication. If a message from Mr. Stanley is shared, we will update this portion of the story to include it. 

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Authorities say a Craighead County teacher and school founder, Dr. Mary Tracy Morrison, encouraged students to abuse a child during a classroom incident in April at ENGAGE School.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Morrison directed a group of students to physically and verbally assault a juvenile placed in the middle of a circle. The document alleges she struck the child, encouraged other students to punch, kick, and choke the victim, and praised one for choking the child. Morrison also asked students to insult the victim’s appearance.

Detective David Bailey wrote that three employees—Katherine Lipscomb, Michael Bean Jr., and Kristen Bell—entered the classroom during the incident but did not intervene. Investigators say all three are mandated reporters.

The incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, was captured on school video. Investigators also noted concerns about witness tampering during the probe.

Morrison and the three employees each face felony and misdemeanor charges, including permitting child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Bail was set at $250,000 for Morrison, $100,000 for Lipscomb, and $10,000 each for Bean and Bell. All four are under no-contact orders with students and the school.

Morrison and Lipscomb have had their cases continued until December 19, for a motion and plea with a jury trial scheduled for January 5-9, 2026.

Bell and Bean’s motion and plea days are both currently scheduled for September 24 and 25, with jury trial dates on October 6-10 and 20-24.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.