Port St. Lucie, Florida — A beloved teacher at Manatee Academy K-8 School in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was tragically murdered by her estranged husband in front of their children before he took his own life, according to authorities. Jamie Felix, 45, who had been named “Teacher of the Year” at the school, was shot by her husband, Ray Felix, 60, while the family was in a business parking lot. Their 10- and 17-year-old children, who were present during the incident, were unharmed.
The couple was in the midst of a contentious divorce, which reportedly included multiple incidents of domestic violence, before the fatal shooting took place on Friday evening. Ray Felix, armed and disguised, ambushed Jamie and the children, forcing them into his rental car. He then sent a suspicious email to Jamie’s coworkers, in which he claimed she had lied about the domestic violence incidents.
Although Jamie’s coworkers reported the email to the police, it was too late to prevent the tragedy from unfolding. Ray coerced his 17-year-old son to follow Jamie’s SUV as they drove south into West Palm Beach. Jamie was allegedly held at gunpoint while driving, with their 10-year-old son in the backseat. They eventually stopped in a parking lot near a hotel for undisclosed reasons, where Ray fired multiple shots at his wife, fatally wounding her.
Witnessing the horrific scene, the children saw their mother collapse to the ground as their father fled in the rental car. West Palm Beach police received numerous 911 calls at around 7:30 p.m. Jamie was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ray was found by officers a short distance away after returning the rented vehicle. As the officers approached him, Ray turned the gun on himself.
The tragic death of Jamie Felix has sent shockwaves through the community, with family, friends, coworkers, and students penning heartfelt tributes on social media and her obituary. Known for her love of University of Michigan sports and her coaching of basketball, Jamie is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated teacher who brought joy to those around her.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while community members are grappling with the loss of a beloved educator.