A 26-year-old teacher in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead Saturday in a suspected murder-suicide, with police on the scene alerted by the crying of her 10-month-old daughter.
Amanda Hicks’ death was confirmed by the principal of Anderson Middle School, where she taught sixth grade.
Hicks was discovered in the Peacock Run apartment complex lying next to an unnamed man she was believed to be dating. According to the police, he killed her and then took his own life.
Tributes from her 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 passing.
“You guys will please help us raise money for my sister and stuff’s funeral and service,” he wrote.
Amanda Hicks, 26, was found dead Saturday morning at the Port St. Lucie apartment complex she had moved into three weeks ago
Police were called to the Peacock Run apartment complex on Saturday and her daughter Hicks cried when she saw two bodies
Police were pictured outside the Peacock Run apartment complex on Saturday, where they found Hicks dead, along with an unnamed man. Authorities have not said how they died
Their mother died in December 2018 after a battle with cancer.
Hicks had given birth to Alani in July and the two had moved into the apartment three weeks ago, neighbors said CBS 12 News.
“They seemed very normal, very normal,” said an anonymous neighbor.
‘We didn’t even have time to get to know them because everything happened so fast.
But my heart goes out to the family. Hopefully they will find peace in this.’
The name of the man who died in the incident has not been released by authorities. His family called police at 11:45 a.m. requesting a welfare check.
Officers heard Alani crying and then saw two bodies lying on the ground.
Baby Alani was born in July 2022. She was found alive after police entered the apartment
Hicks can be seen in a YouTube video discussing her favorite places to snorkel along the Florida coast
Police would not say how the two people died. The deaths occurred a day after Anderson Middle School finished for summer.
Darcia Borel, the director, sent an email confirming Hicks’ murder and offered advice to any staff member 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 each other through our grief journey,” Borel wrote.
“Additional information on memorials and opportunities to support Amanda’s beautiful little girl will follow shortly.
“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 plz help us raise money for my sister’s funeral and service’
Hicks’ friend of five years, Raquel Magallon, told 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 cheerful and always energetic.
‘She was just an angel.
“She certainly brightened my day every time I saw her.
“
Her childhood friend Maria Uphues wrote on Facebook, “While the plan was to grow old and reminisce about all the highs and lows 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 thankful that Alani was found unharmed.
“Even though I don’t know what happened that day, I hold no hatred in my heart towards him and my heart goes out to his family,” she wrote.
“I can’t even express my gratitude for Alani being found unharmed, but nothing can ever completely replace her parents by her side… you were loved by so many and we will miss the remaining years…
“I love you girl and look forward to hugging you again one day.”