Body of ‘beloved’ New Jersey kindergarten teacher found in shallow grave

On Wednesday, authorities said a Jersey City kindergarten teacher was found dead in a “shallow grave.”

Police discovered the body of 33-year-old Luz Hernandez on Tuesday during a welfare check on the mother of three.

Her employer, BelovED Charter School, reported Hernandez missing on Monday when she missed work on Monday. She is believed to have been missing since Saturday, according to NJ.com.

The body of a young mother was discovered in a “shallow grave” dug near Central Avenue and Third Street in Kearny around 4:53 p.m. Tuesday by Hudson County Attorney Esther Suarez. says in the statement.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hernandez’s death is considered suspicious, and the official cause and nature of death is pending the conclusion of the state regional forensic medical examination.

BelovED started working as a teacher assistant in 2017. On Wednesday, the school was closed as a sign of respect.

BelovED founder Bret Shandler said advisors are available to both teachers and students.

“People loved her. She was a great employee,” Schundler told NJ.com. “She was a beloved member of the BelovED family. People feel empty because of it.”

The Hudson County Attorney’s Homicide Unit is investigating the case with the assistance of the Jersey City Police Department and the Kearny Police Department.

So far, no arrests have been made.

If officials declare Hernandez’s death a homicide, it will be the fifth homicide in Hudson County this year.

Another Jersey City teacher, 35-year-old Temara King, was gunned down by her husband late last month in their apartment. Hudson County Attorney’s Office.