The Florida community is mourning the loss of Amanda Hicks, a beloved middle school teacher, who was tragically found dead in a suspected murder-suicide. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning in Port St. Lucie, has left the community in shock and disbelief.
Police were called to Hicks’ apartment complex for a welfare check at the request of a family member. Upon arrival, officers heard a baby crying from inside the apartment and observed two individuals lying on the floor through a sliding glass window.
The individuals were later identified as Hicks, 26, and her 25-year-old fiancé. Police believe that Hicks’ fiancé stabbed her sometime during the night of May 26th before taking his own life. The couple’s 10-month-old daughter was found unharmed in her crib.
According to police reports, a surveillance camera captured the sound of a gunshot just before 1 a.m., leading investigators to believe that the fiancé shot himself after killing Hicks. The baby girl was left unattended for nearly 11 hours before being discovered by authorities.
Family and friends describe Hicks as a dedicated teacher, a loving mother, and a cherished member of the community. An Angel Link page created in her memory paints a picture of a vibrant young woman who was adored by her students and had a passion for life.
Christine Grillo, a former deputy bureau chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau at the Kings County DA’s office in Brooklyn, New York, shared her insights on the case. With her extensive experience in dealing with domestic violence cases, Grillo highlighted the telltale signs of an abusive relationship, such as isolation from loved ones and attempts to control finances and career decisions.
Grillo emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence and seeking help immediately. She stressed that victims should never be afraid or ashamed to reach out for support and that there are resources available to help them break free from abusive relationships.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached at 800-799-7233.
