FAIRFIELD, Iowa — Two Iowa teenagers are accused of killing a high school Spanish teacher, authorities said Thursday.
Police in Fairfield confirmed that human remains found Wednesday in a Fairfield park were those of Nohema Graber, 66, who had been reported missing earlier that day, the Des Moines Register reported.
Graber had taught Spanish at Fairfield High School since 2012, according to the Fairfield School District website.
Police arrested two Fairfield students -- Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, 16, and Jeremy Everett Goodale, 16, according to a news release. Both were charged with homicide in the first degree and conspiracy to commit homicide in the first degree, the release stated. Miller and Goodale are being criminally charged as adults, KCRG reported.
“Graber was employed as a Spanish teacher at Fairfield High School, where Miller and Goodale were students,” Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding said in a news release. “Based on the circumstances and their ages, Miller and Goodale are being criminally charged as adults.”
“Fairfield Community School District is saddened by the tragic death of longtime teacher, Mrs. Nohema Graber,” Fairfield School District Superintendent Laurie Noll said in a statement. “In her nine years with Fairfield High School, Mrs. Graber touched the lives of many students, parents, and staff.”
Students were released from classes early on Thursday, and the high school will be closed on Friday, the Register reported.
Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, released a statement expressing condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and her colleagues ... An act like this is unspeakable, and we are torn that one of our education family is a victim to such a senseless act,” Beranek stated. “Every day, educators work tirelessly to protect the students in their care. With full hearts and deep commitment, educators have been the backbone of our state and our nation during this unprecedented time. We cannot understand this or any violence aimed at such guardians.”
A motive for Graber’s death has not been released, and officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was ongoing.
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