Yolanda Simon, 37, a fifth-grade teacher at Peachland-Polkton Elementary School, was murdered inside her home in Monroe on Sunday, Feb. 28.

According to a press release from the Monroe Police Department, officers responded to a call at 2930 Cripple Creek Court in reference to a suspicious death. The victim, Simon, was found stabbed to death inside her home. The SBI assisted Monroe detectives with the investigation and arrested Simon's neighbor, Lamate Sherron Anderson, 29, of 2923 Cripple Creek Court, charging him with first degree murder. He is in the Union County Jail without bond.

Monroe police have not given any motive for the murder and had released no further information by press time on Tuesday morning.

Anson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Firn said that the staff and students at Peachland-Polkton Elementary were shocked and deeply saddened by the news.

Simon had been teaching at Peachland-Polkton since 1998 and "has served with distinction," Dr. Firn said. "Everything she has done, she did with excellence, which is why this has been especially hard for the students and staff."

Firn added that he'd been talking with the grandmother of a former student, who told him that Simon was "always very natural with her students. It was never forced. She was just a natural teacher."

On Monday, the school system had counselors and local clergy available to counsel students and Simon's co-workers, Firn said. "Unfortunately, when we have a tragedy like this, whether it's the death of a student or a faculty member, the central office activates a number of steps. We have counselors on hand, and also call in local pastors. The central office is also there to help provide whatever support we can."

Visitation and viewing will be held 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 8, at Harris Funeral Home, 601 Winchester Ave. in Monroe, with the funeral service at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at Nicey Grove Baptist Church, 318 Camden Road, Marshville.

"We are working with the family, and respecting their privacy as much as we can," Firn added.

"Ms. Simon’s untimely passing is very tragic," a statement issued by Anson County Schools read. "Please continue to remember Ms. Simon’s daughter, mother, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, the PPES students and staff as they face this most difficult time."