An elementary school teacher from Hollywood, Florida, aged 34, was discovered dead along the Florida Turnpike on Christmas Eve.

Broward County Regional Communications received a report on the evening of December 24, 2023, around 7 p.m., of a body located on the northbound side of the Florida Turnpike, just south of Sunrise Boulevard, approximately 30 miles north of Miami.

Responding to the scene were personnel from the Florida Highway Patrol and Davie Fire Rescue. There, they found the body of Shakira Shanay Mozie and pronounced her dead.

Homicide detectives from the sheriff’s office were called in to assist with the investigation. They suggested that Mozie’s injuries were consistent with those resulting from a fall out of a moving vehicle.

As part of the ongoing investigation, her boyfriend, Duane Hawkins, identified as the sole known occupant of her white Lexus SUV, is being questioned. The incident occurred when the two were returning from a Christmas party in West Park to her Tamarac residence.

Significantly, Hawkins was arrested on unrelated charges of driving with a suspended license following his questioning. However, he has not yet faced charges pertaining to Mozie’s death.

The family, in their statements to NBC Miami, did not rule out the possibility of foul play. Connie Smith-Lindsey, Mozie’s great-aunt, stressed the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

Her father echoed this sentiment, expressing doubts about her willingly jumping from the moving vehicle and pointing out that her boyfriend is likely the only eyewitness.

Mozie, in addition to her role as a teacher, was also involved in various activities including providing security, tutoring, and volunteering as a cheerleading coach.

Her dedication to her work and commitment to her students’ well-being have made a significant impact on the community. Smith-Lindsey underscored how her tragic death not only affects Mozie’s 10-year-old daughter but also the many students she mentored.