Young Florida teacher found dead in suspected murder-suicide, cops alerted by cries of baby daughter

A 26-year-old teacher named Amanda Hicks, who taught sixth grade in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead next to her alleged lover last Saturday in what is suspected to be a murder-suicide with police being alerted to the scene by the crying of the teacher’s 10-month-old baby daughter.

(Video Credit: WPTV News)

Hicks lived in the Peacock Run apartment complex, according to the Daily Mail. She was found lying next to an unnamed man whom she was allegedly having a relationship with. Police believe he killed her and then took his own life.

Her passing was confirmed by Principal Darcia Borel of Anderson Middle School.

The tragic death of Hicks has left her family, friends, co-workers, and the community deeply shaken and in disbelief. Tributes have poured in since her death over the weekend.

A GoFundMe has been set up by her brother Eric who is asking for donations to cover his sister’s funeral, “Y’all plz help us raise money for my sisters funeral and service and everything.”

Hicks’ tragic death follows her mother passing away in December 2018 after battling cancer.

The young teacher gave birth to her daughter Alani in July. They had just moved into her new apartment three weeks ago, according to CBS 12 News.

Authorities know the identity of the man who was found with Hicks but have not released his name yet. It was his family that called the police at 11:45 am Saturday requesting a welfare check, according to the Daily Mail. When officers arrived, they heard Alani crying and looked inside, seeing the two bodies on the floor. The infant is now with a family member.

No details on how they died have been released. The deaths occurred just a day after Anderson Middle School was let out for the summer.

The principal sent out an email to staff members confirming Hicks’ murder, according to the Daily Mail. Counseling was offered to all staff members who wanted it.

“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,” Borel wrote. “Additional information about memorials and opportunities for supporting Amanda’s beautiful little girl will be forthcoming.”

“Please remember to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep Amanda’s family in your thoughts and hearts,” the principal concluded.

Raquel Magallon, who was friends with Hicks for five years, told WBPF that she was “an angel” who brought joy and happiness to everyone who knew her.

“She just lit up the room. She had such a big, beautiful smile. She was always happy and always energetic,” Magallon recounted. “This is like really shocking and really sad… 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.”

(Video Credit: WPBF 25 News)

Hicks’ childhood friend Maria Uphues expressed her sadness on Facebook, “Even though the plan was to grow old and reminiscence about all the highs and lows we’ve experienced, I am so grateful to have had you in my life for these past 19 years. You were absolutely gorgeous inside and out and this world will never be the same without you… Your creativity was pure art.”

She was relieved that Alani was found unharmed.

“Even though I don’t know what happened that day, I don’t hold any hate in my heart towards him and my heart goes out to his family,” Uphues wrote.

“I can’t even express my gratefulness for Alani being found unharmed but nothing can ever fully replace having her parents by her side… you were loved by so many and will be missed for all of our remaining years… I love you girl and look forward to embracing you again one day,” she said.

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