Student accused of sex assault, attempted murder of Las Vegas teacher

Update (April 9): The student accused of attacking an Eldorado High School teacher has been identified.

Jonathan Eluterio Martinez Garcia, 16, was booked on six felony counts, according to jail records provided by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.

Those charges include sexual assault, three counts of attempted murder, robbery and battery with intent to commit sex assault, according to records.

Original Story: LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced Friday that a student has been arrested after he was accused of sex assault and attempted murder of a teacher at a local high school.

According to Las Vegas police, on Thursday at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to a high school in the 1100 block of North Linn Lane, Eldorado High School, for a report of an injured teacher.

Arriving officers were directed to a classroom where a female teacher was being treated by medical personnel for multiple injuries, police said.

According to LVMPD, an investigation by the department’s Sexual Assault Section indicated that the teacher was in her classroom when a16-year-old student entered to talk about his grades. At some point, police say, the suspect got violent and began punching the teacher and strangled her until she lost consciousness.

Police say the suspect fled the classroom after the attack, and the victim was later found by another school employee.

Police were able to identify the suspect and Clark County School District police officers took him into custody in the 5700 block of Cedar Avenue without incident.

The suspect was transported to CCDC and booked for attempt murder, sexual assault, battery w/intent to commit sexual assault, first degree kidnapping and robbery, police say.

Anyone with any information about this incident is or has information about this crime is urged to contact the Sexual Assault Section at 702-828-3421. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Clark County School District Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara issued a letter to district staff Friday afternoon regarding the incident:

Dear CCSD Staff,

The safety of every Clark County School District (CCSD) student and employee is our top priority. I am devastated, and the CCSD family hurts for the teacher assaulted at Eldorado High School. Our hearts are heavy because of the violence committed against her, and we pray for her full recovery. As I have said previously, “Violent acts, assaults, and bullying will not be tolerated in the Clark County School District, and those who choose to engage in these activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” While this incident is now in the hands of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, rest assured that this suspect will be held to account for his actions. Let me say again, unequivocally, violence will not be tolerated at Clark County Schools or against our students or staff.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Jesus F. Jara

Executive Director of the Clark County Education Association John Vellardita who represents teachers in Clark County said there needs to be more security to protect both staff and students and wants that to happen before school reopen after spring break.

“The staff at the school clearly is aware that there are significant safety issues and behavioral issues particular violent behavioral issues among students, and they are very concerned about what steps are going to be taken before schools reopen after spring break… as tragic as it is, it is not a surprise because we have seen consistently over the last few months a growing escalation of violent behavior,” Vellardita said.

FOX 5 has reported on violence against teachers over the past several months including a plea for action from district leaders from a 73-year-old teacher at Canyon Springs High School.

“I am a teacher and I was assaulted and you all need to do something about it,” said Gretta Blunt-Johnson to the CCSD Board of Trustees at their meeting on February 24, 2022.

The teacher who was attacked is reported to be in good condition. Governor Steve Sisolak sending her messages of support and tweeting:

“We must ensure our educators remain safe as they do the important work of teaching our kids – their safety and well-being is a primary concern.

We must also provide the resources necessary for our students to have the mental health supports they need.”

The name of her 16-year-old attacker has not been released due to his age.

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