A 26-year-old teacher in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead in a suspected murder-suicide on Saturday after police were alerted to the scene by her 10-month-old daughter crying.
Amanda Hicks’ death has been confirmed by the principal of Anderson Middle School, where she taught sixth grade.
Hicks was discovered inside the Peacock Run apartment complex, lying next to an unnamed man with whom she allegedly had a relationship. He is believed to have killed her and then committed suicide, police said.
Tributes from friends and family have poured in for the teacher since her death.
Her brother Eric, who also lives in Port St. Lucie, posted on social media after her death.
“All of you please help raise funds for my sisters funeral and service and all,” he wrote.
Amanda Hicks, 26, was found dead Saturday morning in the Port St. Lucie apartment complex she moved into three weeks ago.
Police were called to the Peacock Run apartment complex on Saturday and her Hicks’ daughter was crying, when they saw two bodies
Police are pictured outside the Peacock Run apartment complex on Saturday where they found Hicks dead with an unnamed man. Authorities have not said how they died
Their mother died in December 2018 after battling cancer.
Hicks had given birth to Alani in July and the two had moved into the apartment three weeks ago, neighbors said. CBS News 12.
“They seemed very normal, very normal,” an unnamed neighbor said.
“We didn’t even have time to get to know them, because everything happened so quickly.
“My heart for the family, though. Hopefully they find peace in all of this.
The man who died in the incident has not had his name released by authorities. Her family called the police at 11:45 a.m. to request a welfare check.
Officers heard Alani crying and then saw two bodies on the ground.
Baby Alani was born in July 2022. She was found alive after police entered the apartment
Hicks is seen in a YouTube video discussing her favorite places to snorkel along the Florida coast
Police did not say how the two people died. The deaths came a day after summer ended at Anderson Middle School.
Darcia Borel, the manager, sent an email confirming Hicks’ murder and offering advice to any staff members who wanted it.
“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,” wrote Borel.
“Additional information on memorials and opportunities to support Amanda’s beautiful baby girl will be forthcoming.
“Please remember to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep Amanda’s family in your thoughts and hearts.”
Hicks, a sixth grade teacher, is pictured with her mother, who died of cancer in December 2018
Hicks is pictured with her brother, Eric, who posted on Facebook ‘All of you please help raise money for my sisters funeral and service and all’
Hicks’ friend of five years, Raquel Magallon, said WBPF that she was “an angel” who brought joy to all who knew her.
“She just lit up the room,” she said.
“She had such a big, beautiful smile. She was always happy and always energetic.
“She was just an angel.
“She definitely brightened my day every time I saw her.”
Her childhood friend Maria Uphues wrote on Facebook: “Even though the plan was to grow old and reminisce about all the ups and downs we’ve been through, I’m so grateful to have had you in my life for the past 19 years.”
“You were absolutely beautiful inside and out and this world will never be the same without you… Your creativity was pure art.”
Uphues said she was grateful that Alani was found unharmed.
“Even though I don’t know what happened that day, I have no hatred in my heart towards him and my heart goes out to his family,” she wrote.
“I can’t even express my gratitude that Alani was found unharmed, but nothing can ever completely replace having her parents by her side…you were loved by so many and we will miss each other for all of our lives. years left…
“I love you my daughter and I can’t wait to kiss you again one day.”
