A Texas community is reeling after a beloved school leader and mother of three was killed inside her own home—and her husband is now facing charges in the case.
Police say 42-year-old Lindsay Velasquez was found with a gunshot wound after officers responded to a home on Sproles Drive in Benbrook around 7:30 p.m. on April 17. The call initially came in as an accidental shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Velasquez unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital in Fort Worth, where she later died from her injuries. The medical examiner ruled her cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.
Velasquez was an assistant principal at Luella Merrett Elementary School and had been in the role for two years. She was known in the community as a dedicated educator and caring leader.
Authorities have since arrested her husband, 39-year-old Alberto Velasquez, and charged him with manslaughter in connection with her death. He has since been released on bond.
Officials have not released full details about what led up to the shooting, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Both Lindsay and Alberto Velasquez worked for the Fort Worth Independent School District. In a statement, the district said the incident did not happen on school grounds and there is no threat to students or staff.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” the district said, adding that their thoughts are with the family and everyone affected.
Velasquez leaves behind three young daughters. A fundraiser created to support her family describes her as someone who made people feel seen and cared for, and says her loss leaves an unimaginable void for those who knew her.