An assistant principal from a Texas elementary school tragically lost her life at home, with her teacher husband claiming that he accidentally shot her, according to police who have charged him with manslaughter.
Lindsay Velasquez, 42, was described by officials as a “devoted and loving mother” to her three daughters. She was discovered unconscious in her Benbrook home, a suburb of Fort Worth, on Friday night and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Alberto Velasquez, her husband and a social studies teacher within the same district, reportedly admitted to shooting her in the face accidentally. The report did not provide details on the circumstances leading to or causing the incident.
Alberto now faces manslaughter charges, which in Texas could result in a maximum 20-year prison sentence and a fine up to $10,000. He has been released on bond but has refrained from commenting, as stated by his attorney to the local press.
A family fundraiser, created in response to their “unexpected, devastating, and heartbreaking loss,” highlighted the key people in Lindsay’s life, noticeably omitting her husband.
“Lindsay was so many things to so many people … a daughter, wife, sister, aunt, and a dear friend, but above all else, she was a devoted and loving mother to her three beautiful daughters, who were the very center of her world,” read the fundraiser, accompanied by a photograph of Lindsay with her daughters.
“They were her purpose, her pride, and her greatest joy. The loss of Lindsay leaves a void that will be felt forever in the lives of those who loved her, especially her daughters, who now face a future without their mother’s presence, guidance, and unwavering love.”
Velasquez was in her second year as the assistant principal of Luella Merrett Elementary School.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts are with the family and all those impacted,” the district said, while offering counseling for devastated students.
Lindsay’s brother Martin said she “went to heaven to be the most kickass angel there is.”
“I’ll miss you forever big sis, Your impact has been and will be greater than you will ever get to know,” he wrote on Facebook.
