2 Iowa Teens Charged With Murder Of Spanish Teacher; Woman’s Body Discovered In Park

Two Iowa high school students were charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of their Spanish teacher.

Nohema Graber, 66, was reported missing Wednesday, and her body was discovered later the same day in Chautauqua Park in Fairfield, the Des Moines Register reported. A preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Graber proved it to be a homicide, according to a news release from the city of Fairfield.

Graber had been teaching Spanish at Fairfield High School since 2012.

The police detained two students -- Noble Miller, 16, and Jeremy Goodale, 16 -- Thursday in connection to the murder. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Miller and Goodale were also facing conspiracies to commit first-degree homicide. They are reportedly being held on $1 million bonds pending a preliminary hearing on Nov. 12.

Graber was last seen at the Chautauqua Park, where she would frequently stroll during afternoons. Her body was recovered under a tarp, wheelbarrow and railroad ties, the cops told the Des Moines Register. Detectives said Graber suffered "inflicted trauma to the head."

The police tracked Miller and Goodale based on a tip the latter posted about plotting to kill Graber and an apparent motive for the same, USA Today reported, citing court documents.

In the wake of the investigation, classes were dismissed early Thursday and canceled Friday, according to Des Moines Register.

“In her nine years with Fairfield High School, Mrs. Graber touched the lives of many students, parents, and staff. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mrs. Graber," Fairfield Community School District superintendent Laurie Noll told the Des Moines Register.

People who knew Graber told USA Today that she was the leader of Fairfield's Latino community.

The investigation was ongoing and police didn't yet reveal a motive for the murder.

In September 2019, a school student in India was arrested after he killed his tuition teacher for allegedly scolding him in front of his friends. Ayesha Husuyae, 30, was brutally stabbed by her 12-year-old student, whose name wasn't revealed, and was declared brought dead after being rushed to a hospital. The police said the suspect was asked by her mother to borrow some money from Husuyae to buy household items, but the latter refused and insulted him, which prompted the killing.