Missing kindergarten teacher found dead in shallow grave in New Jersey
02/08/2023 2:25 pm PST
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (TCD) -- Police are investigating a "suspicious" death after a missing 33-year-old teacher was found dead in a shallow grave this week.
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, on Tuesday, Feb. 7, officers from the Jersey City Police Department conducted a welfare check at a home on Van Horne Street in reference to a missing person. Jersey City Police went to the residence and contacted the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office to assist in the investigation.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit located a woman's remains in a shallow grave near Central Avenue and Third Street in Kearny. The victim has been identified as Luz Hernandez, and her manner and cause of death remain pending.
The statement says Hernandez's death "is considered suspicious at this time."
According to NJ.com, Hernandez worked at BelovED Charter School as a kindergarten teacher and had three children.
Jersey City Police reportedly found "blood spatters" on the door at the apartment on Van Horne Street. Detectives obtained a search warrant and went inside, and evidence reportedly led them to the shallow grave on Central Avenue and Third Street.
BelovED founder Bret Schunder told NJ.com Hernandez was a "wonderful co-worker."
He said, "She was a beloved member of the BelovED family. People are feeling devastated by this."
No arrests have been made.
MORE:
TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page for podcasts, exclusive videos, and more, and don’t forget to follow us on TikTok.
