Florida man believed dead is now suspect in deaths of Bella Vista woman, sister and nephew

Linda Allen
Linda Allen

MALABAR, Fla.-- Authorities say a Florida man who was thought to be missing is now a suspect in the deaths of three people, including a Rogers teacher, whose bodies were recovered after a house fire.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office spokesman Tod Goodyear said Tuesday that Tony Hughes is a suspect in the three deaths after a fire was set to cover up the slayings Sunday. Chrissy Hughes, her 9-year-old son and her sister, Linda Woods Allen of Bella Vista, died of unknown causes. Chrissy and Tony Hughes were married.

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Authorities initially thought Tony Hughes may have committed suicide after the couple's boat was found empty Sunday with blood on it and running in circles about 7 miles offshore. Goodyear said the Coast Guard has called off its offshore search for Hughes and now Brevard County will conduct an onshore search.

Allen has worked in the Rogers School District since 2005, first as a special education teacher and most recently as a social studies teacher at Heritage High School. She taught world history and in the past had been an adviser for the Quiz Bowl team, according to a news release.

NW News on 06/15/2017

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