'This Is A Shock:' SD Teacher Found Dead In Suspected Homicide

CARMEL VALLEY, CA — A Cathedral Catholic High School teacher was found dead Monday morning in a suspected homicide, according to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of San Diego.

The campus said on Monday that social science teacher Mario Fierro was killed.

The San Diego Police Department responded to the 4500 block of Kansas Street in North Park around 7:10 a.m., where they found a man dead with a gunshot wound, Fox 5 reported. The department did not identify the dead man and did not immediately respond to Patch for comment.

School officials bolstered security at the partially opened campus and canceled all classes — both in-person and online — until Thursday. Parents were instructed to pick up children who were dropped off Monday "as soon as possible."

Fierro was a CCHS and University High School alumnus and graduated from the campus in 2002 before returning to teach social science in 2016. He also served as the athletic director for Notre Dame Academy.

"Everyone in our school community mourns his loss. Mario was young, vibrant and full of life. All of us loved him," Kevin Eckery, spokesperson for the diocese, said in a statement Monday. "Obviously, this is a shock."

Grief counseling will be made available to all students, staff and faculty, Eckery said. "Please remember Mario and his family in your prayers," Eckery added.

This is a developing story, please refresh the page for updates.