A high school teacher with a reported history of domestic violence is now facing aggravated murder charges for allegedly fatally shooting her ex-husband’s girlfriend in front of her 3-year-old twins.
Citing a probable cause affidavit, KUTV reported that police said Chelsea Cook, 32, fatally shot Lisa Williams, 26, at her ex-husband’s apartment Sunday evening. Travis Cook said Chelsea came to the apartment to give one of their children cold medicine. Travis was in the parking lot when Chelsea reportedly entered the residence; police said she was told to leave but refused.
It was when Chelsea allegedly locked herself in the bathroom when her ex-husband called police. At some point, Chelsea exited the bathroom and appeared to be grabbing her coat to leave when she instead presented a gun and shot three to five shots at Williams, according to KUTV.
Travis claimed he and Chelsea’s two toddler children witnessed the entire ordeal, including Williams falling back on the couch after being mortally wounded. Though Chelsea attempted to flee, her ex-husband took the gun from her and pinned her down until police arrived, the statement said.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Williams was struck twice in the torso and died at the hospital.
The newspaper reported that Chelsea was a health teacher at Skyridge High School. As of Monday, her staff page has been removed from the high school’s website.
Reports also indicated that the high school teacher is also currently facing domestic violence charges in connection with an October 16 incident. While details involving that incident are scarce, charging documents stated she’s accused of abuse in front of children. She’s pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanors in that case.
Alpine School District told KSTU that they were unaware of the previous domestic violence charges until this week.
The school district issued a statement to students and parents in light of the teacher’s arrest, it reads in part:
“This morning we learned about a situation involving one of our Skyridge teachers, Ms. Cook. She was arrested and charged with a serious crime. We know there will be information in the media regarding this incident. We want you to be aware of what we have learned, so we can help you process and provide support to any of you who may be in need.
This type of news is hard to comprehend and we want you to know that teachers, counselors and your parents can help provide support in this difficult time.”
[Featured Image: Chelsea Cook/Skyridge High School, Salt Lake County Jail]
