AUSTIN (KXAN) – Thursday morning students returned to Casis Elementary School after the holiday break without a teacher’s assistant many knew and loved.

Esmeralda “Esme” Barrera was killed New Year’s Day and Thursday the school held a memorial for her.

Students, teachers and parents came together in an emotional gathering outside the school to raise the flag to half-staff in order to honor Barrera.

Barrera was a teacher’s assistant who worked with special needs children. Many remember her for not only her love of children but also her love of music in Austin.

Austin Independent School District issued a statement on Wednesday about Barrera’s loss:

“We are all stunned and saddened by this tragedy and the loss of a colleague. In this time of great loss, our thoughts are with Ms. Barrera’s students and her family. We are committed to providing counseling and support for the Casis community. The community is invited to share a memory of Ms. Barrera with her family. Note cards will be available at Casis Elementary.”

There is a benefit concert scheduled in New York at Big Snow Buffalo Lodge on Jan. 12 to raise money for her family.

In the meantime, police continue to search for the person who killed her and possibly assaulted two additional women. He is described as a black male with a muscular build. A police artist sketch of the suspect is attached to this story.