Body of Pregnant Louisiana Teacher Found; Asst. Principal Arrested

June 17, 2016

FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports, Social

*In Iberville Parish, LA the body of a pregnant teacher who had been missing since last week has been found.

According to WAFB TV, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office used dental records to positively identify the body as Lyntell Washington, 40, of Baton Rouge. She was reported missing last Thursday morning after her 3-year-old daughter was found in Baton Rouge alone near her vehicle, which had blood inside it.

An autopsy that was performed by the the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office on Wednesday revealed Washington died from a gunshot wound to the head and as a result, her unborn child died as well. The coroner said there was no trauma to the fetus.

On Wednesday, Dr. Beau Clark, the parish coroner, said the body was so badly decomposed that they needed DNA samples to make a positive identification. Investigators from several agencies assisted in processing the scene Tuesday after a farmer in Rosedale found Washington’s body.

Authorities began search efforts last Friday for the missing woman who was once named “Teacher of the Year” and currently teaches at Brookstown Middle Magnet Academy. Crews were deployed in the air, on land, and in the water for much of the day Friday, searching five key areas across south Louisiana, including Baker, Zachary, Baton Rouge, St. Francisville, and Ramah. The multi-agency search was temporarily suspended at nightfall on Friday.

The WAFB report goes on to say that the assistant principal of the Baton Rouge middle school where Washington works was arrested in connection with Washington’s disappearance. Robert Jovantie Marks, 39, was charged with aggravated kidnapping and child desertion charges because Washington’s child was left abandoned in a parking lot.

Police said Saturday that Marks – who’s married – had gotten a lawyer and refused to cooperate with the investigation. According to the report, police suspect that Marks, 39, killed Washington after becoming afraid that his wife would find out that the teacher was pregnant with his child. With the body now identified as Washington, police will likely question Marks again. He remains in custody. Marks will likely face additional charges, including murder and feticide.