A New Jersey teacher was on Tuesday allegedly shot to death by her husband after a possible domestic violence incident. According to NBC New York, the victim, identified as Temara King, was killed at her home before 7:30 a.m.
In the wake of the shooting, the suspect Lucus Cooper went out of state. He was, however, arrested hours later after a manhunt. The victim was killed just two weeks after she turned 35. Following the fatal incident, sources said the victim’s daughter called 911 to report her dad had shot her mother several times. The teen did not sustain any injuries.
“I really, really heard the shots and it went bang, bang, bang — and it was quiet,” a neighbor said. The deceased teacher was described as a loving mother by her relatives. Jersey City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez also said King was a loving teacher.
“Our hearts are broken at the sudden violent loss of Temara King,” Fernandez said in a statement. “She was an outstanding educator and dedicated faculty member. She will be missed and our prayers go to her family as they cope with the tragedy.”
The 39-year-old suspect, who was arrested in Pennsylvania, faces a slew of charges including murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office also told PEOPLE that Cooper “is currently being detained at the Lehigh County Jail pending extradition to New Jersey.”
