A Texas elementary school’s assistant principal was killed in her home — with her teacher husband saying he accidentally shot her in the face, according to cops who charged him with manslaughter.
Lindsay Velasquez, 42, described as a “devoted and loving mother” to her three daughters, was found unconscious at her home in Benbrook in suburban Fort Worth late Friday and pronounced dead at a hospital, officials told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Her husband, Alberto Velasquez — a social studies teacher in the same school district — reported having shot her in the face by accident, the report said, without detailing what led up to it or exactly how it happened.
He was charged with manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000 in Texas. He has since been released from jail on bond but declined comment via his attorney, the local paper said.
A family fundraiser over the “unexpected, devastating, and heartbreaking loss” stressed the important people in her life — while notably not mention 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,” the fundraiser said alongside a photo of them together.
“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.