Police: Husband shot wife then turned gun on himself

Bodies discovered by 15-year-old daughter

A St. Charles Parish teacher was killed in an apparent murder-suicide last night, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Carroll Charles, 40, and his wife, Fenisha Charles, 38, were discovered lying on their bedroom floor by their 15-year-old daughter at around 7:35 p.m. last night. The daughter told authorities that she was sleeping when she awoke to the sound of gunshots.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office said that the couple were experiencing marital problems and that Carroll shot his wife twice before turning the gun on himself.

Fenisha was a 7th grade science teacher at R.K. Smith Middle School. She hadserved as an educator for eight years and co-workers say that she was a passionate teacher who was a hard worker.

“Fenisha was always positive and upbeat for the kids and the staff,” said R.K. Smith Middle School Principal Harold Blood. “She was respected by all and loved by all. This is a tremendous loss for our R.K. Smith family.”

Fenisha started her career in August 2000 at Norco Elementary 4-6 School as a 5th grade teacher. She left the district in 2006 to manage her husband’s construction company. She rejoined the district in August 2009 as a 7th grade science teacher at R.K. Smith Middle School.

A 1990 graduate of Destrehan High School, Fenisha received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern University at New Orleans. She leaves behind two daughters; a 19-year-old Xavier University student and 15-year-old Destrehan High School student.

“Support teams were on hand as teachers and students entered the building this morning,” said Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon. “Our plan for crisis management and emergency response works well with everyone knowing their role to play.”