'Hero' Newtown teacher Victoria Soto to be buried today
The funeral of Victoria Leigh Soto, shot dead last Friday as she taught her elementary school class in Newtown, Connecticut, will take place later today.
27-year-old Vicki has been teaching at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, for five years.
Her cousin, police officer James Wiltsie, told MSNBC the family were informed she died hurrying her pupils into a cupboard behind her, "trying to shield them from a spray of bullets." Her obituary said:
"She was not only a role model to her sisters and brother, but to everyone she met. She was an amazing young woman, who died a hero.
"Vicki was truly an amazing daughter, sister, cousin, teacher and friend and died protecting her “kids.” We couldn’t be prouder of our HERO."