26-year-old Gustavo Guzman was a Terry Parker High School biology teacher and named 2024 VyStar Duval County Teacher of Year.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Editor’s note: The story initially contained details from a significantly redacted police report indicating the woman had no visible injuries. It has been updated with information from a less redacted report, which shows the woman did have visible injuries, but none appeared to be from being punched or kicked.
A teacher from Duval County Public Schools, who was recently honored as the VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year for 2024, was arrested on Tuesday. The teacher faces charges of felony domestic battery by strangulation, as noted in a police arrest report that has many sections redacted.
Gustavo Guzman, age 26, is a biology teacher at Terry Parker High School. He also serves as the site director for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program. Following the incident, he was taken into custody and booked at the Duval County jail.
He was released the following day on $7,500 bail. Guzman has been employed by the district since 2021.
A less redacted version of the report was made public and obtained by First Coast News Monday.
The report said the woman had a visible head injury and was bleeding, which is when Guzman was taken into custody.
The woman told investigators Guzman pushed her from behind as she was trying to leave the house, hitting her head on a door frame safety latch. She then went into the bathroom of the home, according to the report, and Guzman pushed her into the shower, knocking over the curtain. The report said Guzman then punched and kicked her.
The arrest report states that a woman told police domestic violence had been escalating over the past year and erupted July 15 when she tried to leave the residence.
Investigators observed a shower curtain ripped down at the scene. The redacted report notes the woman had no visible injuries from the punching and kicking, and she declined to have evidence technicians photograph her body, though she did provide a written statement.
Authorities said Guzman’s own statement about strangulation led to the charge being enhanced to a felony.
The arrest has shocked the community, particularly those with strong ties to local schools.
Ronnie Rohn, a lifelong Jacksonville resident whose two daughters are teachers, expressed his disappointment.
“I remember last year when he became Teacher of the Year,” Rohn said.
Other parents and community members described feeling unsettled by the allegations.
“It’s a very scary thing,” said Kelly Licausi, a mother and 1994 Terry Parker graduate. “As a parent myself, you know, I should feel safe sending my children to the school.”
Several people interviewed urged families to talk openly about relationships and healthy ways to handle conflict.
“They need to try to resolve it without violence,” Rohn said.
Duval County Public Schools released a statement Thursday saying:
We were very disappointed to learn of this arrest and are concerned by the allegations. As this is an active criminal and district investigation, we are unable to provide additional comment, but can share that the presumption of innocence applies and appropriate actions will take place following the outcome of the investigations.
Attempts to reach Guzman for comment were unsuccessful as of Thursday evening.
Domestic violence resources
If you or someone you know needs help in a domestic violence situation, Hubbard House has a 24-hour hotline and text line. The hotline number is 904-354-3114 and the text line number is 904-210-3698.
Survivors can also make an appointment or walk into the Hubbard House Outreach Center at 6629 Beach Blvd, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Hubbard House services are free and confidential.
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
Children and teens can call the Wolfson Children’s Hospital free mental health hotline at any time at 904-202-7900, or text the word “Life” to 741-741 and a counselor will text you back.
