An eighth-grade math teacher at Manatee Academy K-8 School in Port St. Lucie, Florida, was killed by her estranged husband in the parking lot of a West Palm Beach motel. The 45-year-old teacher, Jamie Felix, was shot in front of her two sons, ages 10 and 17.
The incident unfolded on March 29, 2024, when Ray Felix, 60, accosted Jamie Felix and their sons as they were leaving a recreational venue. Concealing his identity and brandishing a firearm, Felix coerced his family into a rented Nissan vehicle. Following his orders, Jamie Felix sent a distressing email to her colleagues at Manatee Academy, which triggered alarm and was immediately reported to the police.
The root of the conflict lay in the couple’s pending divorce proceedings. After driving around for several hours, the family returned to their original location. Ray Felix then instructed his older son to drive the rented Nissan, while he, Jamie, and their younger son followed in the family’s Chevrolet SUV.
Their route led them to a motel parking lot in West Palm Beach, Florida, later that night. The details of the subsequent confrontation remain sketchy, but it ended with Jamie Felix being shot multiple times. Despite immediate medical attention, she was declared dead at the scene.
Ray Felix fled the crime scene but was found by the police less than a mile away. Upon being cornered by law enforcement, he took his own life with a gunshot wound to the head and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Previous incidents have unveiled a history of domestic abuse within the Felix family. Ray Felix was arrested in October 2023 for a domestic dispute at their residence. Following this, the court issued an order barring Ray Felix from contacting Jamie Felix and one of their children. After his arrest, Ray Felix resigned from his position at Manatee Academy.
Jamie Felix’s death has left a profound impact on the Manatee Academy community. A heartfelt memorial crafted by her students stands at the school in her honor.
Expressing condolences, a representative from the school district stated, “Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and all who knew her during this time of sorrow… Jamie was a beacon of happiness, enthusiasm, and commitment for her students and colleagues, and her absence is deeply felt.”
Remembering Jamie Felix, Tessa Alette, a former student from her algebra class, described her as an extraordinary math teacher and a caring mentor. The phrase “school mom,” inscribed on the memorial, reflects her nurturing disposition.
Another student, while paying tribute, expressed admiration for Felix’s unwavering dedication to her students’ well-being.
In response to the tragedy, the district has announced the availability of on-site grief counseling for all affected parties for the upcoming period.
