On Tuesday, February 7th, officers from the Jersey City Police Department welfare check at the house of Luz Hernandez, after she was reported missing when she didn’t arrive for work. While searching for her, police found the teacher and mother of three in a shallow grave, just miles away from her home, Law And Crime reported.

An autopsy report later revealed that Hernandez died by blunt force trauma and compressions to the neck. Officials believe that she was hit in the head with a heavy object, and then strangled with a cord.

Hernandez’ estranged husband, Cesar Santana, was located and arrested in Florida. He is now awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Santana’s friend, Leiner Miranda Lopez, is currently being sought out by police in connection to the murder, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

The school where Hernandez taught was closed on Wednesday in order to allow staff and students to grieve. Outside of her home, friends and family have placed candles, balloons, and posters.

“She was a really good mother,” her cousin said. “She was kind- oh, my God. She was a beautiful person. We are going to miss her so much. I can not speak, it’s unbelievable.”