A teacher identified as Shakira Shanay Mozie, aged 34 from Hollywood, Florida, was discovered dead on the side of the Florida Turnpike on Christmas Eve.
Broward County Regional Communications received a call around 7 p.m. regarding a body found just south of Sunrise Boulevard on the northbound lane of the Florida Turnpike, approximately 30 miles north of Miami.
The Florida Highway Patrol and Davie Fire Rescue services were alerted and arrived at the scene. They located the body of the young woman and pronounced her dead.
Homicide detectives from the local sheriff’s office were called to assist in the investigation. It was revealed that the injuries sustained by Mozie were consistent with falling from a moving vehicle.
The ongoing investigation has involved questioning her boyfriend, Duane Hawkins, who was the sole known occupant of her white Lexus SUV.
At the time of her death, the couple was returning to Mozie’s home in Tamarac, Florida, from a Christmas party in West Park.
Hawkins was arrested after the investigation on unrelated charges of driving with a suspended license. Mozie’s death is still under investigation.
Mozie’s family, in their statements to NBC Miami, strongly suggested the potential of foul play.
Connie Smith-Lindsey, Mozie’s great-aunt, has stressed the family’s demand for a thorough investigation to secure a conviction.
Her father, sharing the same sentiment, voiced his doubts about her willingly jumping from the vehicle and indicated that the boyfriend is probably the sole witness to the events.
In addition to her duties as a teacher, Mozie also served in various other roles, such as providing security, offering tutoring, and volunteering as a cheerleading coach.
Mozie’s dedication to education and her students’ welfare has made a significant impact on the community.
Her great-aunt emphasized the repercussions of her tragic death, which not only affects Mozie’s 10-year-old daughter but also the many students she mentored.
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of Mozie’s death.