New Jersey: Kindergarten teacher found dead in shallow grave
A kindergarten teacher was found dead in a shallow grave in an industrial area after failing to show up for school.
The body of Luz Hernandez, 33, was found Tuesday in a somewhat desolate area in Kearny, New Jersey, according to sources Hudson County Attorney Esther Suarez.
Staff at the BelovED Charter School in Jersey City reported Hernandez missing after she failed to show up for work Monday. She is said to have disappeared since Saturday.
Police conducted a social check on Van Horne Street just before 1 p.m. Tuesday and saw “blood spatter” on an apartment door, according to radio messages. According to prosecutors, police obtained a search warrant and items in the building led them to the crime scene in Kearny that afternoon.
“During the investigation, homicide detectives found what appears to be a shallow grave on Central Avenue and Third Avenue in Kearny,” Suarez said.
Hernandez was pronounced dead there at 4:53 p.m.
A federal coroner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of her death.
BelovED founder Bret Schunder said “people loved” Hernandez and that “she was a wonderful collaborator.”
“She was a beloved member of the BelovED family. People are devastated by it,” Schunder said.
“There will be a desire to commemorate her and there will be a desire to support her family. Her whole family was involved, part of the BelovED community.”
Hernandez was first hired as a teaching assistant at the school in 2017. She graduated from Saint Peter’s University.
Her death is considered suspicious and is being investigated by the District Attorney’s Homicide Unit and the Jersey City and Kearny Police Departments.
As of Wednesday, there were no arrests in the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hudson County Attorney’s Office.
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https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/09/new-jersey-kindergarten-teacher-found-dead-in-a-shallow-grave-18250643/ New Jersey: Kindergarten teacher found dead in shallow grave