Daughter seeks justice for mom killed outside Nashville school by estranged husband

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The family of a woman Metro Police said was killed by her estranged husband outside the elementary school she worked at shares their heartbreaking story with us while Metro Police continue their manhunt for the suspect.

It's a hole that will never be filled, losing your mom. The daughter of the woman who lost her life outside Chadwell Elementary School told FOX 17 News her mom was her best friend.

This woman was loved, you can see by the growing memorial that sits outside of the school by people who are honoring her life.

Niurka Alfonso-Acevedo was described as wonderful, caring, and loving by her family.

"She was my support, the air I breathe, my strength, my life," said her daughter Kiomy Martinez-Alfonso in Spanish. "In our toughest moments, she was always there for me and my brother."

Metro Police said Alfonso-Acevedo's estranged husband Candido Raul Rubio-Perez waited for her in the parking lot of Chadwell Elementary School on Monday morning, stabbing the custodian before students arrived.

"This has been really hard," cried Martinez-Alfonso."We didn't expect something like this."

She told FOX 17 News the couple was married for 24 years and then Rubio-Perez beat her up in the home they shared in Nashville.

She said her mom broke up with him at the end of last year and kicked him out. However, he wouldn't take no for an answer. Martinez-Alfonso said he called her asking for another chance.

She said her mom stood her ground before she was tragically killed.

"She said no she wasn't going to forgive him, that they were done, told him to move on but he wouldn't listen," she said.

Martinez-Alfonso said her mom was planning to file a restraining order before her life was taken.

Becky Bullard the Deputy Director of the Family Safety Center said warning signs should be taken seriously and victims should seek help.

“Abusers are some of the most dangerous perpetrators that we have in our communities and I think this tragedy showcased that,” Bullard said.

Alfonso-Acevedo will always be remembered as her daughter waits for justice.

“Nothing is going to bring my mom back, but he has to pay for what he did. My mom deserves justice,” said Martinez-Alfonso.

You can support Niurka's family by donating to their GoFundMe here.

If you are a victim of domestic violence please call 615-880-1100 or visit the Family Safety Center website.

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