Murder-suicide suspected in Brevard teacher's death

Cops: Ricky Cook shot, killed Sandra Cook before turning gun on self

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne police say the estranged husband of a teacher who was found slain with gunshot wounds broke into her home, attacked and killed her before killing himself.

The investigation began after a family member became concerned when Sandra Cook, the Teacher of the Year candidate who worked at Rockledge High as a math teacher, didn't show up to work on Monday, according to police.

Police said when the family member went to Cook's home on Chapparal Drive Monday she found both Cook and her estranged husband, Ricky Cook, dead.

The initial investigation shows that Ricky Cook had broken into the back of the home on Sunday night and attacked Sandra Cook, according to police. 

Police believe Ricky Cook shot and killed Sandra Cook before shooting himself.

There were no restraining orders and the Melbourne Police Department said it did not have any contact with the Cook family.

The couple did not have any children together, but Sandra Cook had three from a previous marriage, according to police.

Contact Crimeline if you have any information on the incident at 1-800-423-TIPS.


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