Bronx residents gathered in mourning on a rainy afternoon to honor Jessica Hoyle, a devoted first-grade teacher whose life was tragically ended. Attendees gathered outside her Williamsbridge home as her mother and sister expressed their grief and recalled fond memories of the 31-year-old, who was fatally shot in her Mickle Avenue apartment last Tuesday.
The investigation into Hoyle's death revealed that her ex-boyfriend, Shannon Graham, aged 37, was believed to have taken her life. According to Bronx News12, Graham was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after barricading himself in a residence on Pratt Avenue. In a tragic recounting of the events leading up to the shooting, Hoyle's wheelchair-bound mother, Lisa Cabassa, spoke of hearing the fatal or prelude argument. "I don't know what to do, and I have to do better, because if not, I was in the hospital, she took care of me, I have to be OK, I don't know how," Cabassa told Bronx News12.
The death of Hoyle, who taught at Children's Aid College Prep Charter School, prompted the school to close its doors on the day of the vigil, to allow students and staff to join in the remembrance and grapple with the mourning of a beloved figure in their lives. As part of the community's ongoing support, the school's principal, in a communication to parents, has assured that counseling services will remain available for those affected as the students and staff prepare to resume classes. Additionally, Alpha and Omega Church has offered to provide grieving services to help the community cope with the loss.
According to ABC7 New York, Cabassa, despite her own health battles, spotlighted her daughter's caring nature, not only towards her students but also towards her during her times of need. "I know that everybody loved her," Cabassa expressed in an ABC7 New York interview.
A private funeral for Jessica Hoyle will be held at a later date.
