A Port St. Lucie, Florida teacher was found dead along with her boyfriend shortly before noon Saturday after her baby's cries alerted officers to the murder-suicide scene.
Amanda Hicks, 26, was identified as the woman killed by her boyfriend who then took his own life inside her home at the Peacock Run apartments on Northwest East Torino Parkway.
Police said that the baby's cries could be heard from inside the locked apartment as officers conducted a welfare check requested by the man's relatives.
“The Post St. Lucie Police Department has confirmed that Ms. Hicks was the victim of a homicide,” said Principal Darcia Borel of the late teacher who worked at Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School.
“While words will never be enough to convey the shock and sadness this news has brought to our school family, it is more important than ever to come together to support one another through our grief journey.”
“Additional information about memorials and opportunities for supporting Amanda's beautiful little girl will be forthcoming.”
Hicks' friend described her as “happy and always energetic” with “a big, beautiful smile” who loved to work with children.
“She was just an angel. She was the most happiest person. She definitely brightened my day every time I saw her and I just don't know what happened with this situation.”
“I know she's at peace now, but I pray that she didn't suffer because she definitely doesn't deserve to go out like that.”
