A 26-year-old teacher in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found dead Saturday in a suspected murder-suicide, and police alerted the scene to her crying 10-month-old daughter.
Amanda Hicks’ death was confirmed by the principal of Anderson High School, where she taught sixth grade.
Hicks was discovered inside the Peacock Run apartment complex, lying next to an unidentified man with whom she was believed to be in a relationship. He is believed to have killed her and then taken his own life, police said.
Tributes from her friends and family have poured in on the teacher since her death.
Her brother Eric, who also lives in Port St. Lucie, posted on social media after her death.
“Y’all please help us raise money for my sisters funeral and service and all,” she 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 Hicks’ daughter was crying when they saw two bodies.
Police are shown Saturday outside the Peacock Run apartment complex, where Hicks was found dead along with an unidentified man. Authorities have not said how they died.
His 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 told CBS 12 News.
“He seemed very normal, very normal,” said an anonymous neighbor.
We didn’t even have time to meet them because everything happened so fast.
‘My heart goes out to the family, though. Hopefully, they will find peace in all of this.’
Authorities have not released the name of the man who died in the incident. His family called the police at 11:45 am requesting a welfare check.
Officers heard Alani crying and then saw two bodies on the floor.
Baby Alani was born in July 2022. She was found alive after police entered the apartment.
Hicks is seen in a YouTube video discussing his favorite snorkeling spots along the Florida coast.
Police have not said how the two people died. The deaths occurred a day after Anderson Middle School ended for the summer.
Darcia Borel, the director, sent an email confirming Hicks’ murder and offering 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 one another during our journey of grief,” Borel wrote.
‘Additional information on memorials and opportunities to support Amanda’s beautiful girl will be provided soon.
“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 his brother, Eric, who posted on Facebook “Y’all please help us raise money for my sisters funeral and service and all.”
Hicks’ friend of five years, Raquel Magallon, told WBPF that she was ‘an angel’ who brought joy to everyone she met.
“It just lit up the room,” he said.
‘He had such a big, beautiful smile. She was always happy and always full of energy.
‘She was just an angel.
“She definitely brightened up my day every time I saw her.”
Her childhood friend, Maria Uphues, wrote on Facebook: “Although the plan was to grow old and remember all the ups and downs we’ve experienced, I’m so grateful to have had you in my life for these 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 Alani was found unharmed.
“Although I don’t know what happened that day, I have no hate in my heart for him and my heart goes out to his family,” she wrote.
I can’t even express my gratitude for the fact that Alani was found unharmed, but nothing can completely replace having her parents by her side…you were loved by so many and will be missed for all the years we have left. …
“I love you girl and I hope to hug you again one day.”
