Vigil honors Bronx teacher killed by boyfriend in her home shooting.
A poignant vigil was held on April 7, 2025, at the residence of Jessica Hoyle, a beloved teacher who tragically lost her life due to an act of domestic violence. Approximately 50 family members and colleagues gathered in the rain-soaked streets of the Bronx to pay their respects and share in their grief over the young woman’s untimely death.
Jessica Hoyle, 31, was fatally shot in her home on Mickle Avenue on April 1. Holding balloons and seeking comfort in one another’s presence, mourners reflected on Hoyle’s life and the impact she made as a dedicated first-grade teacher at Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School in Crotona. Those close to her described her as a caring individual whose commitment to her students and family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
The vigil served as a platform for loved ones to express their sorrow. Lisa Marie Cabassa, Hoyle’s mother, who uses a wheelchair, shared the harrowing details of that fateful day, recounting how she had heard the argument between Hoyle and her boyfriend, Shannon Grahan, throughout the day. Cabassa’s heart-wrenching admission of helplessness due to her inability to intervene has underscored the dire consequences of domestic violence within families.
Grahan, who was 35 years old, is alleged to have been involved in an argument with Hoyle shortly before the incident. Following the tragic event, he became the subject of a police manhunt. Authorities located him two days later, on April 3, at an apartment in Baychester, where he barricaded himself inside. After hours of negotiations failed, Grahan reportedly took his own life, further compounding the tragedy that befell Hoyle’s family.
Hoyle’s sister, Rachel, also expressed her devastation at the vigil, emphasizing the emotional support her sister provided during difficult times. Family members reflected on the importance of addressing domestic violence issues, vowing to seek justice in Hoyle’s memory.
As the vigil drew to a close, attendees honored Hoyle’s memory through prayers and a moment of silence, followed by the release of balloons into the sky—a symbol of their love and loss. The community’s grief has sparked discussions about the urgent need for awareness and action against domestic violence, as they united in their commitment to ensure justice for Jessica.
As the community mourns the loss of a cherished educator, the call for change remains a critical conversation as they strive towards a future where such tragedies are prevented.
