Methuen, Massachusetts — The Merrimack Valley is reeling after a cherished educator from Lawrence was found dead in a Methuen home late Monday, sparking a murder investigation that has shaken families and neighbors across two cities. The victim, identified by local officials as a teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools, was discovered unresponsive inside a residence on Lyndale Avenue on the evening of December 29, 2025. Authorities quickly labeled the tragedy an apparent homicide.
Local police and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene after officers were called to the home where the teacher lived. Upon arrival, they found the victim inside and pronounced her deceased. Early reports from the DA’s office confirmed that the circumstances pointed to a violent death, and investigators have since been working to piece together what led to this devastating outcome.
Friends and neighbors in both Lawrence and Methuen knew the teacher as warm, dedicated, and deeply committed to her students. Many have described her as a pillar in the school community, someone who brightened days with her kindness and who was always ready to lend an ear. Word of her death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of grief, disbelief, and heartfelt messages shared across social media and community bulletin boards.
The shock of losing such a respected educator has left families and schoolchildren struggling to make sense of what happened. Parents picked up their children from school in hushed silence, and staff rooms were filled with colleagues comforting one another as they try to grapple with the senseless loss. Many spoke of how her influence went far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students and co-workers alike.
In a statement, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office said the investigation is active and ongoing. While authorities have confirmed that a man — identified as 26‑year‑old Anthony Nunez‑Romano of Methuen — is facing murder and related firearms charges in connection with the death, prosecutors have not released details about what may have led to the deadly encounter. Nunez‑Romano is expected to be arraigned later this week.
Police have asked the public for patience as detectives work through witness interviews, forensic evidence, and timelines. They stressed that this remains a developing case, and officials hope to share more information as it becomes available. Community members continue to rally around the teacher’s family, offering prayers, support, and shared memories of someone many called a mentor and friend.
As tributes rise in both Lawrence and Methuen, the teacher’s legacy stands as a reminder of the impact one life can have on many. Her laughter in school hallways, encouragement to struggling students, and dedication to education will be remembered by those whose lives she shaped. In the quiet aftermath of this tragedy, friends, families, and students are left holding onto memories and searching for ways to heal together.
