Fort Worth ISD employee fatally shot outside school was killed by her boyfriend, police say
FOREST HILL (CBSNewsTexas.com) — A longtime Fort Worth ISD cafeteria worker who was fatally shot outside a Forest Hill elementary school last week was killed by her boyfriend, police said.
Just before 7 a.m. Oct. 11, Forest Hill police were sent to David K. Sellars Elementary School, located on Dorsey Street. When officers arrived, they found a woman outside with multiple gunshot wounds and began to perform life-saving measures.
The woman—since identified as Yolanda Gibbs—was pronounced dead after being taken to John Peter Smith Hospital.
Two days later, on Oct. 13, Anthony Harris was identified as a person of interest but was shortly found dead in Fort Worth. Police said they later confirmed he was the suspect in the fatal shooting, and that he and Gibbs were dating for approximately two years.
Officials said Harris had an extensive criminal history and that he was on parole when the incident occurred.
"This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of community solidarity and the need for us to all work together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future," Forest Hill Mayor Stephanie Boardingham said.
The slaying happened only minutes before students lined up to get inside for school breakfast, prompting the question of why classes were still held during an active homicide investigation on campus.
CBS News Texas asked FWISD about the controversial decision, and the district wrote back stating:
"We kept the school open primarily because, legally, schools can only be closed under specific circumstances. Families were informed promptly allowing them to decide whether to keep their children home… Closing the school abruptly could have left our students vulnerable especially considering the number of students who walk to school… Additionally Forest Hill PD deemed the campus safe…"
On Thursday night, the Forest Hill community gathered in the elementary school's parking lot to honor Gibbs, who has made a lasting impact during her 30-year career there.
"She always made me laugh and everyone who knows her will always say she was a kind person," said David K. Sellars principal Delain Sandifer.
Fort Worth ISD trustee Wallace Bridges said she had a servant's heart. "Sometimes you have to teach that and some folks just naturally have it."
Karen Buckley, a lifelong friend of Gibb's, told attendees their bond was unbreakable.
"When I think about Yolanda, I think about her and I being Shirley and Laverne," Buckley said. "I'm at a loss for words. I couldn't even imagine someone taking her."
Gibbs' family did not want to speak publicly at the gathering Thursday, but told CBS News Texas they want to make sure it's known just how much they appreciate the love and support they've received, and that her funeral will be held Saturday.
As it stands, the weapon used in the shooting has not been recovered and the Texas Rangers along with the Forest Hill Police Department are continuing their investigation.
