Tiverton coping with teacher's murder

TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Students, parents and administrators in the Tiverton School District are coping with the murder of popular teacher Conrad Beaulieu.

Conrad Beaulieu was stabbed to death over the Labor Day weekend. His wife, Diane Beaulieu, was also seriously injured in the attack.

Police have arrested and charged the Beaulieu's adult son, 29-year-old Joel Beaulieu.

Eyewitness News has learned both Conrad and Diane Beaulieu were popular teachers in the Tiverton School District.

"We're all taken aback," Tiverton Superintendent Bill Rearick said. "As far as we knew they had a great family life and they had a great professional life as well."

Conrad Beaulieu, 62, recently retired from teaching at the high school. However, he was currently on the staff part-time at the middle school.

"Both faculties are.. shaken up by it," Rearick said. "You can tell by everyone this morning that they are still trying to get their arms around what happened as well."

The accusations against Joel Beaulieu, who graduated from Tiverton High School, are an additional blow for teachers.

"He was never in any trouble or anything," Rearick recalled. "Other than being the son of two teachers, nothing stood out."

Grief counselors were available to both students and teachers on Tuesday.

They will likely be available again on Wednesday.