Nyssa, OR: Sheriff: Eastern Oregon teacher murdered by husband

NYSSA, Ore., - Authorities in Eastern Oregon say an elementary school teacher has been found murdered inside her home.

Brian Wolfe, undersheriff with the Malheur County Sheriff's office, says a man called 911 at about 3 a.m. Tuesday to report that his wife had been injured. When police arrived, they found Janet Holmes, 48, deceased.

Sheriff's deputies believe foul play was involved and arrested her husband, William Holmes, at the home located at 824 Owyhee Avenue in Nyssa.

Don Grotting, superintendent with the Nyssa School District, said Janet was a teacher at Nyssa Elementary and has taught in the school district since 1991.

"She was an excellent teacher, and was highly requested (by the students)," Grotting said. "It's a great tragedy to the school and the community."

Grotting said Holmes taught kindergarten as well as the first and second grade. She was headed into her 19th year of teaching with the Nyssa School District. Currently the principal of the elementary school is working to figure out arrangements for a long term substitute teacher to finish out the year.

Holmes, 54, is currently in the Malheur County Jail.