Counseling support for students attending Cider Mill School in Wilton where 47 year-old fatal shooting victim Svetlana Bell taught music, will be made available as needed, according to an email sent by principal Virginia Rico to parents Sunday evening.
Bell's 63 year-old husband Robert was arrested Saturday evening at the couple's New Fairfield home in connection to her death and is facing first-degree manslaughter charges.
"We were saddened today when we learned of the tragic death of our third grade strings teacher Svetlana Bell," Rico wrote in the email. "If you feel your child needs support or you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call. Our thoughts and prayers are with Svetlana's family at this time."
Rico and Wilton Superintendent of Schools Gary Richards could not be reached for comment.
Those that knew Svetlana Bell, who taught for 20 years, took to Danbury Patch's Facebook page to express their shock and sadness.
"She was a good person, a very hard working teacher and musician," Laura Flachbart wrote. "...My prayers go out to her family. This is a tragic event and I know she will be missed by the many students she has taught over the years."
Kim Lemak also wrote on Danbury Patch's Facebook page that Bell was "a very hard worker" and "will be missed."
According to police sources cited by the Associated Press, Robert Bell called police shortly after 7 p.m. on Saturday. Svetlana Bell, unresponsive on the kitchen floor had gunshot wounds in her chest and was pronounced dead at Danbury Hospital, the AP said.
Bell is scheduled to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Danbury on Monday. Connecticut State Police, which is in charge of the investigation, could not be reached for comment at press time.
