Amanda Hicks (Martin County School District) Hick’s baby girl and the scene outside her apartment complex (WPTV screenshots)
A 26-year-old middle school teacher and new South Florida mother was killed inside her home over the weekend when her 10-month-old baby was found crying but unharmed in what the believed to be a murder-suicide at the hands of her boyfriend.
The victim, Amanda Hicks, was a sixth-grade reading teacher at Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School in Martin County of Port St. Lucie, district officials confirmed to Law&Crime.
Investigators allege Hicks was killed by her boyfriend, whose identity has not been released by authorities.
According to a Port St. Lucie Police Department press release, officers at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 27 responded to an apartment complex located in the 5500 block of NW East Torino Parkway in reference to a property check. – be requested by the family of an adult male resident.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders say they found the front door to the house locked. However, officers said they heard a young baby crying inside the residence. Investigating the scene further, police say they were able to see into the residence through a rear sliding door where they spotted what appeared to be two adults lying motionless on the floor.
Officers forced their way through the locked front door and confirmed that the two adults – a male and a female – were deceased. Authorities later removed the crying baby unharmed from the crib. The child was later placed with a family member, the statement said.
Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit and crime scene investigators were dispatched to the home. Investigative teams have concluded that Hicks “was killed by a grown man who then committed suicide,” the statement said. Police said Hicks and the unidentified man were “romantically involved”.
Authorities have not speculated on the motive for the apparent murder-suicide.
In a message to parents and staff, school principal Darcia Borel said Hick’s death was a tragedy. A copy of the message was provided to Law&Crime by Jennifer DeShazo, director of public information and community relations for the Martin County School District.
“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the tragic passing of one of our teachers, Mrs. Amanda Hicks,” Borel wrote in the message. “The Port St. Lucie Police Department has confirmed that Ms. Hicks was the victim of a homicide. While words will never be enough to express the shock and sadness this news has brought to our school family, it is more important than ever to come together to support each other through our journey of grief.
Borel said the school will have bereavement counselors available when students return to class on May 30.
“Additional information on memorials and opportunities to support Amanda’s beautiful baby girl will be forthcoming,” Borel wrote. “Please remember to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep Amanda’s family in your thoughts and hearts.”
Authorities have not released the cause of death for Hicks or her boyfriend. The police department did not immediately respond to a message from Law&Crime requesting additional details.
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