New details released in murder-suicide that claimed life of beloved teacher
Amanda Hicks, a Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School teacher, was fatally stabbed Saturday by her fiancé before he shot and killed himself.
Officers responded to a welfare check in Port St. Lucie at a home on the 5500 block of NW Torino Parkway on Saturday morning. When PSLPD arrived around 11:45 a.m., they heard a baby crying inside. Officers noticed a man and woman lying on the floor, who appeared to be dead. A 10-month-old was in her crib, unharmed, for approximately 11 hours before officers arrived.
Officials say the timeframe of the homicide is unclear, but Hicks’ fiancé called one of his family members at 11:50 p.m. Friday. A gunshot was captured on nearby surveillance video at 12:47 a.m.
When the family member tried to reach the man the next morning to no avail, a request for a welfare check was made. The couple recently moved to Port St. Lucie and had no prior involvement with PSLPD, officials said.
Coutesy: Martin County School District
Amanda Hicks
The last day of the school year in Martin County was Friday, hours before the murder-suicide occurred. Staff returned to school Tuesday for a work day. The district expressed plans to have counselors available for any staff member in need.
Florida middle school teacher Amanda Hicks was killed Saturday in a suspected murder-suicide by her boyfriend. Her daugher, Alani, was present in the apartment. (Martin County School District/Facebook)
A Port St. Lucie police SUV is parked outside the apartment complex where teacher Amanda Hicks was killed in a suspected murder-suicide on May 27, 2023.
Principal Darcia Borel of Dr. David L. Anderson Middle sent this message to her staff on Sunday:
“Greetings, Dr. David L. Anderson team. It is with great sadness that we write to inform you about the tragic passing of one of our teachers, Ms. Amanda Hicks. The Port St. Lucie Police Department has confirmed that Ms. Hicks was the victim of a homicide. While words will never be enough to convey the shock and sadness this news has brought to our school family, it is more important than ever to come together to support one another through our grief journey.
“The Martin County School District will have licensed counselors on hand beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday on our campus (upon our return from the Memorial Day weekend) for anyone in need. I encourage our team to take full advantage of this supportive resource. If you do not feel you would like to take advantage of counseling, please report to our planned districtwide professional learning day at MCHS.
“You may also take advantage of the District’s free Employee Assistance Program resources 24/7 by calling 877-622-4327 or visiting https://www.martinschools.org/page/employee-assistance-program-eap.
“Additional information about memorials and opportunities for supporting Amanda’s beautiful little girl will be forthcoming. Please remember to hug your loved ones a little tighter and keep Amanda’s family in your thoughts and hearts.”
Police do not believe anyone else was involved. The child is safe and now with a family member.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department encourages anyone in the need of mental health resources to call 211 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.