JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The community is grieving the loss of a beloved elementary school music teacher who homicide detectives believe was killed.
Deborah Liles, 62, was found dead of multiple injuries Thursday in the carport of her Panama Park home on East 59th Street, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Police said they don't know when Liles was last seen alive, but they are investigating her death as a murder and they are searching for her car -- a pale gold 2010 Buick LaCrosse with license number 275-LLJ -- which is believed to have been stolen.
Family members told News4Jax on Friday that they're heartbroken and still trying to process everything. Neighbors had nothing but nice things to say about Liles, who had worked as a music teacher at San Jose Elementary School since 2005.
"No enemies, no arguments, no nothing," said neighbor Anthony Aronica. "It's like a bad dream. Whenever I'd go to the grocery store and buy avocados -- she loved avocados -- and I'd say, 'Here, I brought you one.'"
Aronica said Liles would often come outside just to check on her neighbors, and now he's the one offering comforting words.
"I saw Mike, her husband, and I told him that Debbie's probably in a better place. She's probably in heaven," he said.
Liles had been with the Duval County school district since 2000.
"The entire community of San Jose Elementary School and Duval County Public Schools is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of one of its staff members. To support the well-being of students and faculty, specially-trained school psychologists and social workers will be onsite on Monday at San Jose Elementary School, and will provide continued support as needed," the district said in a statement released Friday to News4Jax.
Anyone who sees Liles' car or has any information about her death is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.