On March 11, 2024, in Richmond, Texas, 34-year-old elementary school teacher Alba Marina García was found deceased alongside her husband, Gene Mark Hudgson-Sjogreen, in their residence on Darst Field Trail. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office responded to a welfare check at approximately 2:50 p.m., prompted by concerns from family members who had not heard from the couple since the previous day.
Upon arrival, deputies observed signs of a disturbance inside the home and made a forced entry, discovering both individuals dead from gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations indicated that Hudgson-Sjogreen fatally shot García before taking his own life, leading authorities to classify the incident as a murder-suicide. No prior domestic disturbance calls had been reported at their residence.
Both García and Hudgson-Sjogreen were esteemed educators within the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD). García served as a fourth-grade teacher at Jane Long Elementary School, where she was recognized as Staff Member of the Month in January 2024. Hudgson-Sjogreen taught third grade at Taylor Ray Elementary School and was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year.
The tragic loss of the couple has deeply affected the local community, including students, parents, and colleagues. Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing the importance of community support during such times of grief. In response, the district has made counseling services available to students and staff to help them cope with the emotional impact of this tragedy.
García was born on November 21, 1989, in Houston, Texas. She grew up in Sugar Land and harbored a lifelong passion for teaching. After graduating from Kempner High School in 2008, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Science with Honors from the University of Houston. Beginning her teaching career in 2011, García was dedicated to her students at Beasley Elementary School and later at Jane Long Elementary School. She was known for her love of spending time with family, her two miniature schnauzers, reading, watching movies, and shopping. Her commitment to education and her vibrant presence will be deeply missed by her family, friends, students, and colleagues.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths remains ongoing. Authorities continue to gather information to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
