Teacher murdered, man shot, before shooter killed himself

MIAMI, FL – A tragic incident unfolded in Palmetto Estates, south of Miami, when a beloved elementary school math teacher was fatally shot in a murder-suicide, leaving another individual injured, as per local law enforcement. Maria Cruz de la Cruz, 51, was discovered with a gunshot wound in a residence around 4:20 p.m. on Friday, as reported by Detective Angel Rodriguez of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Cruz, a mother of two, had been a dedicated educator at the Doral Academy K-8 Charter for nearly ten years. A GoFundMe account has been set up in her memory, highlighting her commitment to her students and the profound impact she had on the school community.

The incident also involved a male victim who was shot before the unidentified male suspect turned the weapon on himself. The suspect was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both Cruz and the male victim were rushed to Jackson South Medical Center, where Cruz succumbed to her injuries. The condition of the male victim remains undisclosed.

Detective Rodriguez confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide. Another woman was present in the house during the incident but was unharmed. The Miami-Dade Police Department has yet to comment on the matter.

The loss of Cruz has deeply affected the Doral Academy community. Principal Eleonora Cuesta expressed her condolences, praising Cruz’s compassion, commitment, and love for her students. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Cruz’s daughters, raising over $29,000 as of Monday morning.

The shooting took place in a home where the relatively new to the neighborhood. The incident has left neighbors shocked and concerned, with one expressing hope that such a tragedy never repeats itself. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.