Luz Hernandez: NJ teacher found in 'shallow grave’ died from blunt force trauma, neck compression just months after separation from husband
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY: Luz Hernandez, a Jersey City kindergarten teacher, whose body was found in a shallow grave, reportedly died as a result of blunt force trauma to her head and compressions to her neck. The 33-year-old mother of three was found dead near Central Avenue and Third Street in Kearny on Tuesday, February 7, when the local police conducted a welfare check at her residence.
Hernandez was reported missing on Monday, February 06, when she failed to show up at the BelovED Charter School, where she had been teaching since 2017. The officials' report noted that her death was deemed a homicide on Thursday, February 9. It also revealed that the first responders found blood spatters at Hernandez’s residence, where she lived with her three children ages 3, 9, and 12. She was allegedly last seen by her children’s father, Junior Santana, on Saturday, February, 4, as per a Pix11 report.
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The death of the beloved kindergarten teacher came just a few months after she separated from Santana, who was spotted at church with their children on Sunday. The duo got separated in November but Santana continued living in their house, making justifications for why he couldn't leave, Hernandez’s devastated sister told ABC New York. She also revealed that the couple had a turbulent relationship and Hernandez often complained about feeling danger to her life. A GoFundMe page set up for Hernandez’s children also noted that she was a victim of domestic violence.
The sudden death of the beloved mother has sent shockwaves through the close-knit town of Jersey City. Reflecting on Hernandez’s life, her cousin, Yajaira Germosen, told ABC that, "She was kind. She was a beautiful person. I'm gonna miss her so much, I cannot speak. It's unbelievable." Her grieving brother, Christiano Hernandez, said, "She loved kids. She became a teacher because she loved being around kids."
‘People are feeling devastated by this'
Following Hernandez’s death, BelovED Charter School canceled all classes. The school founder, Bret Schundler, stated, "People loved her. She was a wonderful co-worker. She was a beloved member of the beloved family. People are feeling devastated by this," as reported by NJ.com. "There is going to be a desire to commemorate her and there’s going to be a desire to support her family," he added.
Hernandez’s death is currently being investigated as a homicide. At the time of writing, no arrests have been made, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. Anyone with information is asked to contact the office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip on the office's website.
