Recent photo of missing person Emily Lambert

Emily Lambert

Update: Emily Lambert’s boyfriend, 33-year-old Robert Earley, has been arrested in connection with the teacher’s murder. Police say Earley admitted to beating, strangling and dragging Lambert after a fight last Saturday. NBC5.com has the details.

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The body of 30-year-old Emily Lambert, a third grade teacher at O’Henry Elementary School in Richardson was found in a field Tuesday in New Mexico, where she went missing over the weekend.

Yesterday, we discussed the case with her family and friends; at the time they remained hopeful that she would be found alive. But today they posted this statement on the Finding Emily Facebook page:

“The essence of Emily is with God. Our family thanks each and everyone one of you for your outpouring of love, prayers, and support over the last few days. It is with our deepest sorrows that we report her body has been found. We don’t know any specific details at this time. The detectives will contact us sometime tomorrow. We will use this time to collect our thoughts with our families. Thank you.”

Lambert leaves behind two young daughters as well as a class of third graders at a nearby school.

The Richardson ISD has released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of an RISD family member, Emily Lambert, a third grade teacher at O. Henry Elementary. Our condolences to her family, friends, students and coworkers. Grief counselors will be on hand at O. Henry on Wednesday.”

Emily Lambert with daughters, courtesy Lambert family

Emily Lambert with daughters Eden and Danika, courtesy Lambert family

Lambert’s death is being investigated as a homicide, according to a report from the Carlsbad, New Mexico police department. The department  reportedly has developed a person of interest.