Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Sproles Drive around 7:30 p.m. on April 17, 2026, after a report that someone had been accidentally shot in the face. When they arrived, they found Velasquez unconscious with an apparent gunshot wound. She was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, where she was pronounced dead. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner\u2019s Office later ruled the death a homicide.<\/p>\n
Her husband, 39-year-old Alberto Alexander Velasquez of Benbrook, was arrested <\/a>at the scene and charged with manslaughter. He remains in the Tarrant County Jail on a $35,000 bond. No other injuries were reported.<\/p>\n Velasquez was in her second year as assistant principal at the Fort Worth ISD campus. The district released a statement<\/a> Monday acknowledging \u201ca tragic off-campus incident involving two district employees.\u201d Fort Worth ISD said it is deeply saddened by the loss and that counselors and support staff are available to students and staff at impacted campuses. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, the district is not releasing additional details.<\/p>\n The incident occurred away from school grounds and did not involve students. Benbrook police say their investigation remains active.<\/a><\/p>\n The shooting has left the Fort Worth ISD community stunned. Luella Merrett Elementary serves families across southwest Fort Worth, and news of Velasquez\u2019s death spread quickly among parents and staff who described her as a dedicated educator known for her positive energy.<\/p>\n Benbrook is a suburban city of about 25,000 residents just west of Fort Worth. Police there handle calls in a region where domestic incidents occasionally escalate, though officials provided no further comment on what led to the shooting.<\/p>\n LISTEN<\/a> on the Audacy App
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