Suspect Detained In Connection With Death Of Gwinnett Teacher

Lawrenceville GA

12 November, 2021

2:23 PM

Description

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — The suspect in connection with the death a first-grade teacher in Gwinnett County, who was found dead in Mexico, has been detained, according to WSB-TV. Alexandra Morales, 24, was found dead about a week ago on the side of the road in Guadalajara, reported WSB-TV. The Benefield Elementary School was last seen by family in late October and was vacationing there, family told the station. According to WXIA-TV, Morales was missing for weeks before authorities announced Tuesday she was found dead abroad. The 24-year-old was first reported missing on Oct. 30. Family notified Benefield Principal Shonda Gipson-Stevens late Tuesday of Morales' death, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Morales taught at Benefield since 2019. In a letter to all families and staff, the principal said a substitute was covering for Morales who was on a personal leave, but she didn't return late last week as planned. A GoFundMe page to raise money for Morales' family was launched Wednesday and has already reached over $20,000 of its $25,000 goal in two days. "Alexa was adored by her parents and loved by her two brothers," according to the GoFundMe. She had a passion for adventure and traveling around the world was her joy. She was the most caring teacher to all of her students and her first-grade babies will miss her dearly." She was a member of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señorita Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., according to the GoFundMe.