New details have emerged about the 34-year-old Black teacher who was found dead on the Florida Turnpike, WPLG reports.
Shakira "Kira" Mozie was last seen leaving a Christmas Eve party in her white Lexus SUV, which was driven by someone else. The Florida Highway Patrol and paramedics responded to the Turnpike after getting reports of a body on the northbound side of the Turnpike, south of the Sunrise Boulevard exit, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Officials identified the body as Mozie and requested BSO homicide detectives to investigate. The cause and manner of death haven't been revealed as of Wednesday (January 10).
"According to detectives, the preliminary investigation revealed the victim suffered injuries consistent with falling out of a moving vehicle," deputies wrote in a news release. "Detectives said they have questioned the only other known occupant of the vehicle identified as Mozie’s boyfriend."
Reporters said the boyfriend, identified as Duane Hawkins, was arrested Monday (January 8) for driving without a suspended license in Palm Beach County. Detectives told WPLG they've found no probable cause to arrest Hawkins in Mozie's death.
The information left the victim's family baffled and wanting answers about her mysterious death.
“Why would somebody leave my daughter on the side of the road like a dog?” Sheldon Mozie, the victim's father, told WPLG. "Why would she jump out of her car?”
Mozie worked at Discovery Elementary School in Sunrise and also served as a tutor and cheerleading coach. She leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter.The family has started a GoFundMe to cover expenses for Mozie's child and the funeral.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to call BSO Homicide Detective Louis Bonhomme at 954-321-4377, or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
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