Missing kindergarten teacher found in shallow grave

KEARNY, N.J. — The body of a kindergarten teacher who had been reported missing in New Jersey was found buried in a shallow grave.

Luz Hernandez was reported missing on Monday, and was found buried in Kearny on Tuesday afternoon, WABC reported.

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Officers with the Jersey City Police Department were initially called to Hernandez’s home for a wellness check when the 33-year-old teacher failed to arrive at work on Monday, WNBC reported. Hernandez taught kindergarten at the BelovED Charter School.

Police who responded to Hernandez’s home said they found a “crime scene,” but did not elaborate on what was found, according to News12.

“What can you say, you know? This is something you would never expect, especially in this neighborhood,” neighbor Henry Judson told WCBS.

During their search, a shallow grave with Hernandez’s body was found, WNBC reported. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors have not detailed what evidence led them to search the area in Kearny where Hernandez was found. While they have described Hernandez’s death as “suspicious,” the cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office, according to WNBC.

Counselors will be on hand at Hernandez’s charter school for staff, teachers and parents. The school’s founder, Bret Schundler, described Hernandez as an amazing person and wonderful kindergarten teacher to WABC, saying the school is “utterly destroyed” by the loss.

Hernandez was mother to three young children, two who attended the school and a third who was too young, WABC reported.

A cousin, who asked not to be identified, told WNBC, “We love her, her family, the friends. She was an amazing girl and it’s so unfair somebody takes away the life from her. Why? She was one of the best teachers, everybody loves her. All the kids. It’s just like, so complicated to think about this. We just want justice.”

Police have not named any suspects or announced any arrests.