MERIDIAN, ID — As the community reels from Sunday's devastating double murder-suicide in Meridian, one group in particular is feeling the impact: the West Ada School District.
As a spokesperson tells 6 On Your Side, the 40-year-old female victim, Heidi DeLeon, was a part-time staff member at Desert Sage Elementary School. He says she worked with special needs students there.
Her daughters, who survived the horrific events, also attended schools within the district
As a response, this week, the district deployed a crisis team to affected campuses. "To work one on one with anybody who exhibits-- sort of, ya know-- emotions, or that they're upset, or just expresses that they need to speak with somebody. And then they often end up sending out a letter," said Eric Exline, Chief Communications Director, West Ada School District.
The letters give advice from counselors, like what to say if your kid comes home asking questions, and professional resources you might consider reaching out to if your kid is struggling emotionally, Exline said.
Friends and family are also still in mourning.
A former classmate of both the victim, Heidi, and the suspect, Edward, has arranged for a candlelight vigil that will be open to the public.
The event is set to be held this Friday, January 11, at West Park in Nampa. Attendees will be gathering near the pond.
