Elvita Balli, a 56-year-old Hispanic woman, tragically lost her life on March 3, 2014, in Pharr, Texas. Elvita was a dedicated educator who had been teaching for 35 years and was highly respected in her community. She had been living in McAllen since 1997 and was nominated Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year. Elvita was also a grade level chairperson, employee of the month for several years, and an art club sponsor.
She was a Special Education Resource Teacher and served as a test administrator during State assessments. Elvita's dedication to her students extended beyond the classroom, as she also tutored students after school and on Saturdays.
The circumstances surrounding Elvita Balli's death were tragic and shocking. On the evening of March 3, 2014, after participating in an open house event at Dr. William Long Elementary School, Elvita was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Ricardo Soto. According to reports, Soto pulled up in a silver Jeep and parked next to Elvita's red Cadillac in the school parking lot. He then entered her car and shot her five to six times with a .45 caliber handgun before turning the weapon on himself. Both Elvita and Soto were found deceased in the vehicle by a fellow teacher.
The incident was classified as a murder-suicide, and Pharr police, along with Justice of the Peace Rosa Trevino, conducted an investigation into the case. The tragic event left the community in mourning, and the school district took extra steps to support faculty and students during this difficult time. Grief counselors were made available on campus to help students and staff cope with the loss of their beloved teacher. Elvita Balli's death was a profound loss for the community, and she was remembered as a dedicated and compassionate educator who made a significant impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.
