Shelley Snyder, a 56-year-old third-grade teacher at Buckeye Elementary School in Placerville, California, was found dead in her home on Big Oak Road on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Authorities say she sustained a suspected gunshot wound and her death is being investigated as a homicide.

Deputies responded after a report of a man brandishing a firearm and detained 57-year-old Geoffrey Snyder at the scene without incident. A search of the residence led to Shelley Snyder’s body. Geoffrey Snyder was booked into the El Dorado County Jail on a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bail; the investigation is ongoing and no motive has been released.

Shelley Snyder taught third grade at Buckeye Elementary for more than two decades. The Buckeye Union Elementary School District said the loss has deeply affected students, staff, and families and has offered counseling and support services.

Did anyone in the Placerville community know Shelley or have information about what happened that night?