The superintendent of Howard County Schools held a press conference Thursday morning about the murder of a teacher.
Montgomery County Police reported Laura Wallen, a pregnant high school teacher who went missing last week, has been found dead.
RELATED: Missing pregnant teacher found dead
According to Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger, Wallen's body was found in a wooded area in Damascus. Police have arrested her boyfriend, Tyler Tessier.
Bond review today at 1:00 pm in Rockville District Court for Tyler Tessier, charged with first-degree murder of Laura Wallen. pic.twitter.com/IzEuKyjwE3
— Montgomery Co Police (@mcpnews) September 14, 2017
Thursday morning, Superintendent Dr. Martirano spoke out about the murder of the teacher,
"This is a place of hope, our schools. When tragedy occurs in our schools like this and affects one of our own, a caretaker of our children. Ms. Wallen was an outstanding teacher, she cared about her kids. And to have someone removed from our school such as this in a tragic event affects everybody. So as we move forward we need a lot of love and support and care."
Wednesday night there was a Gathering of Hope, which is where the news of the murder came out.
Wilde Lake High School Principal Rick Wilson said she loved her students and truly made a difference in their lives.
RELATED: Students mourn loss of Wilde Lake High School teacher
Through hugs and tears, those that loved her tried to cope.
"We all asked ourselves in the circle: 'Why? Like what motivated you? How could you be possessed with so much hate to take a soul that means so much to people,'" said former student Ahmad Wasti. "If we were missing or God forbid anything happened to us, she would've been the first person looking out for us."
Wallen was named the 2016 Teacher of the Year. She was 31 years old.
There will be grief counselors at Wilde Lake High School and Murray Hill Middle School on Thursday for students who need to talk.
