Authorities in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, say a beloved high school teacher was brutally killed in her home, allegedly at the hands of the husband she had decided to leave, as one of her daughters listened in terror and called for help.

Police identified the victim as Monica Morris, 51, a culinary arts instructor at Trenton Central High School and mother of four. Officers responding to reports of a fire and a domestic disturbance at the family’s townhouse on Freedom Way found the residence burning and smoke pouring from the upper floors.

When officers forced their way inside, they encountered Monica’s husband, Jerome Morris, 50, reportedly covered in blood and holding a knife. Just beyond him, in a third-floor bedroom that was beginning to burn, they discovered Monica lying face-down with multiple stab wounds to her neck and throat, according to investigators.

Two other adults managed to escape the home without injury. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze as police secured the scene and disarmed Jerome, who was transported to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries before being taken into custody.

A probable cause affidavit cited by local media states that the violence erupted shortly after Monica told Jerome she intended to end the marriage. The document notes Jerome’s prior history of stalking, threats and harassment.

Monica’s daughter told investigators she dialed 911 after hearing horrifying screams from the third floor, where her parents’ bedroom was located. While on the phone with dispatchers, she reportedly found a key, unlocked the bedroom door and saw Jerome hovering over her mother with a knife as Monica lay bleeding on the floor.

Family and colleagues described Monica as a nurturing educator whose classroom was a refuge for students. A fundraising page created by her son-in-law called her a devoted mother and teacher whose “compassion and generosity made her a role model to many.”

Trenton councilwoman-at-large Crystal Feliciano, who worked with Monica at the high school, remembered her colleague by her nickname “Nana” and praised her for the care she poured into students and staff, saying the school community would never be the same.

Jerome Morris has been charged with first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Investigators say findings from the ongoing fire investigation could result in additional charges.