SAC Professor Kesha Hondo found dead
A speech communications professor was found dead inside her home in Riverside County Wednesday morning in a suspected murder-suicide, Riverside police said.
Police found Kesha Hondo, 39, and her husband Andamo, 51 in the second floor of their La Sierra home after responding to a call at 6:30 a.m from a person who discovered the bodies. While police have not determined Kesha’s cause of death, she was not shot, Sgt. Darwin Hudson said. Andamo died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kesha and Andamo have been married for about 10 years, and have two daughters. The children were not in the house when their parents died, and are now in the custody of relatives.
The Hondos moved in to the upscale two-story home in July two years ago.
“SAC is such a special place and Kesha was one of those very bright lights who added to all that was positive around her,” wrote Catherine Shaffer, CARE coordinator and counselor in a district-wide email.
Hondo previously taught at Goldenwest College, Orange Coast College, Long Beach City College and Cal State University Long Beach before being hired full-time as an assistant professor at Santa Ana College in 2005. She teaches public, small group and interpersonal communications, and her students often describe her as a bubbly woman with an engaging personality who personifies the concepts she teaches.
Hondo earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication and master’s degree in communication studies from CSU Long Beach.
She is the daughter of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Isaac Curtis, who was born in Santa Ana. Her grandparents moved to Santa Ana from New Orleans, La.
Grief counselors from the college’s Health and Wellness Center is open to those trying to cope with the tragedy, said Sara Lundquist, vice president of student services. Its office is located in Johnson Center, room U-120, and can be reached by telephone at (714) 564-6216.
In an el Don profile published two years ago, Hondo described herself as “terribly shy” growing up.
“If they’d had Paxil back then my mother would’ve had me on it. People made me that nervous,” she said. But that changed after a speech class at Long Beach State opened her up to people, and eventually, to a career in teaching.
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I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM YOU, YOUR CLASS WAS AWESOME AND YOU WERE A LOVELY PERSON WITH A HUGEEEEEEE HEART. IT WAS A JOY GOING TO YOUR CLASS AND I KNOW SO MANY OF US COULD SAY THE SAME. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE RESTING, AWAITING THE DAY TO RISE AGAIN AND LIVE WITH JESUS FOR ETERNITY…… WE LOVE YOU MRS. HONDO…… YOU MADE CLASS SO MUCH FUN <3
Please correct spelling of Kesha Hondo’s name in headline.
Omg, I cant believe she’s gone :'(
I am truly and deeply saddened by the loss of my friend. In just the short time that we spent together, she was a MAJOR INFLUENCE in my life, even as a young adult. She impacted me as well as many people I’m sure, and I cannot believe that we have to suffer such a tragic loss. She will be incredibly missed. Her parents and family are in my prayers. I ask that God would comfort and keep them close to Him and help them through this very difficult time. I will think about Kesha for the rest of my life. I wish we had had more time together as friends. God be with you Kesha.
I still can’t get over it the fact Hondo is gone. It looks to unreal, like if isn’t her. Mrs. Hondo you will be missed! We love you and may you R.I.P
So sorry for the loss. The children and family are in my prayers.
So sorry for the loss to the family and friends. The children and family are in my prayers.
I just wanted to say that Professor Hondo was a beautiful person with a smile that just lit up the room. She was so inspiring to her students and I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know her. SHe will definately be missed dearly. I hope that those who knew and loved her will be able to find some peace in this difficult time. Heaven gained an angel with a heart of gold.
Oh my goodness. This professor was an absolute doll to have in class every day. There was no suspicion of anything wrong in her life, nor her husbands. I’m glad the children were not around at the time. Her husband used to work where I currently work and many people knew him. This story has reached them and my thoughts as well as theirs are with this family during this difficult time for them. :( I hope that more news surfaces as time goes on about this loss.
I am so sorry to hear Kesha this,she,was the prettiest sweetest smartest
Infinite Wiisdom again has lost a battle People is time to wake up and realize how important our present is. Again one more soul in the account of Santa Ana College and yet everyone generalizes situations and missing the truthful point. At SAC we the people are accountable with amazing instructors….do not let one more day go ashtray without reminding each of your instructors of their potential to genuinly influence your “right know” Thank them because they are good to you and they believe in you. Aknowledge them for their interest in changing your lives in order to make them better. Separate your parents from your professors and be thankful for their help and commitment. Being an Instructor is a 24/7 effort that can not be ignored by your approval, take ahold of the power that you have to encourage the encourager and to support the supporter. Aknowledge the one person who takes the time to listen to you with an overflowing joy…joy…joy
The Orange county Register has a guestbook that you can sign for Kesha.
It’s located at http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/orangecounty/guestbook.aspx?n=kesha-hondo&pid=152536350&cid=full
Thank you for wrting a super good article about Proffesor Holso. I never knew her but I think her story, under super sad circumstances, should be told. Her students are appreciating the information.