Tenn. teacher charged with killing boyfriend

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. - A special education teacher in Tennessee is charged in the shooting death of her boyfriend.

Stephanie Cole, 36, who taught at Martin Elementary School in Martin, Tenn., was arrested Friday, June 20 and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her boyfriend, 31-year-old Louis Tammaro, a local construction businessman.

Cumberland County Sheriff Jerry Jackson told CBS News' Crimesider the shooting took place at Cole's home on Ackia Drive, in the area of Lake Tansi, a resort community in Cumberland County, around 4:45 a.m. on June 20.

Neighbor and fellow Martin Elementary School teacher, Kim Smith, said she heard a gunshot around 4 a.m. that morning, and went next door to investigate, reports the Crossville-Chronicle.

Sheriff Jackson confirmed to Crimesider that Smith was first to find Tammaro's body. The Crossville-Chronicle, quoting a warrant in the case, said Smith found his remains "in a tote in the backyard."

Smith reportedly called 911 and told the dispatcher that she found Cole with "blood in her arms." Cole also allegedly said told Smith that she had just killed her boyfriend.

When deputies arrived to the home, Tamarro was found dead of a single gunshot wound in the backyard of Cole's home. Cole was taken into custody at the scene.

Josh Devine, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, told Crimesider that Tammaro and Cole recently broke up. She apparently moved out of Cole's home and authorities believe the couple was attempting to reconcile when he was murdered.

Multiple media outlets reported that Tammaro and Cole had dated for eight years.

Cole is being held without bond in the Cumberland County Jail.

She is scheduled to appear in court July 7.