A Los Angeles firefighter is currently facing serious charges after allegedly murdering his wife with an ax in what authorities describe as a “horrific” act of domestic violence.

The suspect, 45-year-old Andrew Jimenez, was taken into custody on January 21. This occurred after he reportedly visited the police station, requesting a welfare check at his North Hollywood home. Upon arrival, officers discovered his wife, Mayra Jimenez, 55, had died due to blunt force trauma. She was found in their residence, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Mayra was known as a dedicated third-grade teacher in the community.

Details from a felony complaint issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicate that Andrew allegedly used an ax to commit the murder.

Currently held on a $2 million bail, Andrew Jimenez faces one count of murder, with an additional allegation of using an ax as a deadly weapon. If found guilty, he could receive a sentence ranging from 26 years to life imprisonment.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman commented on the tragic incident in a press release, stating, “The domestic violence death of Mayra Jimenez is a devastating reminder of the persistent scourge of intimate partner violence in our communities. No one, including those sworn to protect others, is above the law, and we will hold the defendant accountable for this horrific crime and bring justice to Ms. Jimenez and her loved ones.”

Mayra’s colleagues at Wilshire Park Elementary School called her “a beloved teacher” and friend, in a statement to Oxygen by the Los Angeles Unified School District. A candlelight vigil to honor the educator was held on Jan. 23 in the school community, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Sarah McNeil, a friend of Mayra’s, told the outlet that Mayra often “stayed at recess to give students extra support” and “went shop to shop to find just the right supplies to make her classroom exciting and engaging.”

Andrew, a firefighter and paramedic who has served with the city of Glendale since 2008, has been placed on administrative leave from his job, according to a press release sent to Oxygen by the Glendale City Manager. The city called the matter “extremely serious and deeply troubling.”

“Our condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones,” Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brooks said in the statement. “We are prepared to support those impacted by this tragedy, and we are also ensuring our firefighters and staff have access to support resources as they process this loss.”

Jose Romero, an attorney for Andrew, did not immediately return calls for comment from Oxygen. 

Andrew’s next court date is Feb. 19 and he has not yet entered a plea, a spokesperson from the Los Angeles County Superior Court told Oxygen.