MILWAUKEE — MILWAUKEE — Police identified the victim in Monday's murder-suicide as Neyaka Oliver.
Milwaukee Police have not yet released the suspect's name, citing the ongoing investigation. They have only said Oliver and the suspect were dating.
Oliver, 27, was a teacher at Next Door Foundation in Milwaukee since 2016, according to school officials. They added staff and families were notified about Oliver's death and grief counselors were on hand for those who need them.
"Neyaka meant a lot to a lot of us. She touched families in a way that no one else could. She was always kind, supportive, that smile was everything," said Dezja Wheeler.
Wheeler said Oliver was her son's preschool teacher about two years ago. Wheeler said she became good friends with Oliver outside of school, and the two talked about everything.
"She was definitely like a little sister of mine. We would give each other advice, motivate each other," said Wheeler.
When she found out Oliver was the victim in a murder-suicide Monday, she took the news hard.
"I seen a GoFundMe last night with her name on it, and I literally I just started breaking down. It was just so painful to see," said Wheeler.
"Neyaka meant a lot to a lot of us. She touched families in a way that no one else could. She was always kind, supportive, that smile was everything." — friend Dezja Wheeler
"She seemed like a really good teacher," said Danta Purifoy. Purifoy said his niece was in Oliver's class. He credited Oliver for helping his young niece come out of her shell.
"She can spell her name, write and stuff. Before she got here, she couldn't do none of that," said Purifoy.
"The kids adored her. The parents did as well. She loved the kids as if they were her own, and that's very special," said Wheeler.
AGoFundMeaccount has been set up to help with Oliver's funeral expenses.
