‘Beloved’ teacher found shot to death in Texas. ‘Shocked and deeply saddened’
Teacher Michael Echaniz was “known for his passion for education and evangelization” before he was tragically killed, according to his Catholic alma mater.
A 2020 graduate of Christendom College in Virginia — and a friend, son, brother and uncle — he was a teacher at Great Hearts Forest Heights in San Antonio, college officials say.
But two years out of college, at 23 years old, police say Echaniz was killed outside his apartment complex early Thursday, March 10, KSAT reported.
San Antonio police officers responded to the Eckert Heights Apartments shortly before 7 a.m. and found the man lying dead with “multiple gunshot wounds” near his car, according to KENS5. A witness reported seeing someone in a blue hoodie run away from the apartments after the shooting.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to have lost a beloved member of our school community,” a statement from Great Hearts says, according to WOAI. “In his two years with us, Michael Echaniz faithfully served our students in and out of the classroom. He was a skilled teacher and generous soul who poured his time, talent, and energy into our community.”
The fourth- and fifth-grade teacher was known by students “as the teacher always ready to join in on soccer games at recess,” KSAT reported, and he coached basketball and helped with the debate club.
Great Hearts Forest Heights, a public charter school, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on March 14.
While in college, Echaniz was “known for his sweet nature and deep devotion as a friend,” his alma mater said in a statement. “He participated in plays and musicals at the college, including the musical Anything Goes, in the college’s swing and waltz dance competitions, and in the college’s debate society as well.”
He grew up in Front Royal, Virginia, and was the son of Christendom alumni John and Sharon (née Alessandro) Echaniz, the college said.
His death remains under investigation. San Antonio Police Department has not released a motive or information about a suspect.
This story was originally published March 14, 2022 at 1:36 PM with the headline "‘Beloved’ teacher found shot to death in Texas. ‘Shocked and deeply saddened’."