The cousin of a teacher gunned down this week has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the daughter of the slain educator.

According to radio reports and the Hudson County prosecutor, on Tuesday morning Lucas Cooper, 39, shot Temara King following an argument overheard by their daughter, 14-year-old Alaysia King. Her mother was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center where she died a short time later. Cooper fled to Pennsylvania where he was arrested the same day.

Wrote King’s cousin, Dynisha King, “Temara was a beloved Special Education teacher for Jersey City Public Schools. She spent the last decade enriching the lives of students at P.S. No. 5 school in Jersey City, NJ. She worked the after-school program, summer school, and even provided developmental intervention services to children under three years old, in the Early Intervention program. She was so passionate about her career and fervently pursued higher education. She recently obtained her certification to become a learning disabilities teacher consultant and spoke so enthusiastically about her upcoming position. It is unfortunate that she was robbed of actualizing her dream.” 

A parent with a child at P.S. 5 echoed King’s sentiment. In a message to the Jersey City Times, “Nancy” said, “She really was a beautiful light in the school and for the kids.” She called the death “devastating.”

King has set a goal of raising $50,000. As of this morning, there were $7,195 in donations.

Cooper, who was reportedly homeless and living in his car, apparently called his daughter to apologize on the morning of the shooting.

He is charged with Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Aaron is a writer, musician and lawyer. Aaron attended Berklee College of Music and the State University of New York at Purchase. Aaron served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. He received a J.D....