Teacher-Student Love Triangle Ends in Murder

April 16, 2009

A bizarre love triangle involving a teacher and two former students in Chandler, AZ, came to a murderous end last week.

The police say they received a 911 call on April 10 from a caller who reported a stabbing in the 2500 block of W. Ironwood in Chandler. When investigators arrived on the scene, they found 18-year-old Samuel Valdivia suffering from an abdominal knife wound. Valdivia was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was admitted into the intensive care unit.

While doctors rushed to save Valdivia's life, investigators tried to piece together the events that led to the stabbing by interviewing two individuals who were present at the scene when they arrived – 20-year-old Sixto Balbuena and 48-year-old Tamara Hofmann (photo here).

During their questioning, investigators discovered that the incident was precipitated by a bizarre love triangle that dated back several years.

After receiving a teaching degree from Arizona State University, Hofmann secured a teaching job at Kyrene Elementary School District, where she remained for a time before transferring to Marcos de Niza High School in 2004, where she taught high school math.

The first inkling of problems surfaced in 2006, when Chandler police found Hofmann in a parked car with Balbuena, who at that time was a 17-year-old student of Hofmann's. According to the report, officers questioned the pair and found Hofmann's bra inside Balbuena's pocket. Police suspected that the two were involved in a sexual relationship; however, they had no other proof and the investigation was closed.

A separate investigation, launched by the principal at Marcos de Niza, resulted in a formal reprimand, a 10-day suspension without pay, and reassignment to another department. According to Hofmann's personnel file, allegations had been made that she had hugged and kissed Balbuena

Hofmann was later removed from her position, at which time she applied to and was hired by Eldorado High School where she met Valdivia.

In the hours before the stabbing, Hofmann called Valdivia's house and spoke with his mother, telling her that she needed to speak to Valdivia regarding something to do with school. Shortly thereafter, Valdivia sneaked out of the house and went to meet Hofmann.

Unbeknownst to Valdivia, Balbuena, who had since become Hofmann's boyfriend (some sources say fiancé), had secured leave from the U.S. Navy and was en route from California to Hofmann's house.

According to statements given to police, Balbuena arrived at the house at about 2:00 a.m. When he entered the house, he heard noises coming from the bedroom, so he grabbed a kitchen knife and went into the room to investigate. When Balbuena opened the door, he found Hofmann and Valdivia together in the room. Hoffmann was naked and Valdivia was clad only in boxer shorts.

Valdivia attempted to apologize to Balbuena; however, his words fell on deaf ears and a physical altercation ensued, during which Balbuena allegedly stabbed Valdivia in the stomach. Police say Balbuena told them he "wanted to teach [Valdivia] a lesson." Following the stabbing, Balbuena picked up the phone and dialed 911.

Click here to listen to part of the 911 call

Unfortunately, Valdivia's wounds proved to be severe and he later died at the hospital. As a result, Balbuena was charged with murder and placed in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

In recent days, Valdivia's family has gone public with their belief that Hoffmann purposely had used Valdivia to make Balbuena jealous. Investigators have refused to comment on the family's theory and will say only that they are looking at the case from a variety of angles.

Hoffmann has not been charged in connection with the murder; however, she has been suspended from her teaching job pending an investigation by school officials.

Related Links:
Two Arizona High School Coaches Indicted for Unrelated Sex Crimes
Pennsylvania Teacher's Aide Arrested for Allegedly Hosting Teen Sex and Drug Party
New Charges Filed Against Abbiejane Swogger, Former Teacher Accused of Hosting Teen Sex Party

Photo Credits: Police Mug Shot

Please note: Persons appearing in mug shots may not have not been convicted of the charges for which they are accused and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[James]

This woman should also be charged as an accessory if nothing else, not to mention having to file as a sex offender.

The law needs to take an equal position on men and women teachers who prey on their students.

This kid lost his life as a result of this woman's sick behavior. She and the man who killed him should pay.

The school needs to fire her immediately and the investigators should charge her with the commission of a crime resulting in felony 2nd degree murder.

[Rachel]

I thought it was very interesting that during the phone conversation with 911 and Balbuena he completely lied to her and was extremely calm, when he knew well that he had just stabbed someone. He deserves to be in jail.. So that part worked out.

I also agree that Hoffmann should pay some kind of price for being in sexual relations with high school students, and then being there when the kid was stabbed. They both did wrong and they deserve what happens to them.

This is not a Mary-Kay Lautournoe situation.. In some rights it is, but no one died in that case. And there was acually a loving relationship behind all the bad stuff.

[Loretta]

I am so sick of these teachers. I am going to start home schooling my kids TODAY.

[lala]

I AM STILL SOOOO UPSET AT WHAT HAPPENED!!! I KNEW SAM AND HE WAS SUCH AN AWESOME GUY TO BE AROUND.ITS SOOO FRUSTRATING AT WHAT HAPPENED AND BOTH SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR THE DEATH OF A GOOD FRIEND,BROTHER, AND A GREAT PERSON THAT HE WAS... R.I.P SAM