School district issues statement after teacher arrested on suspicion of murder

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Panama-Buena Vista Union School District issued a statement Tuesday after one of its teachers was arrested last month on suspicion of murder .

Paul Magallanes was arrested in east Bakersfield on April 19 in connection with the death of Margarita Lopez, 38, of Bakersfield. He was later released after prosecutors sent the case back for further investigation .

No charges have been filed.

According to officials at the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Magallanes, a teacher in the Alternative Education program, is on administrative leave.

The district released a statement that says in part, “We understand the shock and concern this news may bring to our school community. Allegations of this nature are disturbing and do not reflect the high professional standards of our programs or the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. The safety and well-being of our students, and our community, are among the District’s highest priorities.”

Sheriff’s officials said Tuesday the investigation is active and ongoing.

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