The Lake County Coroner's Office said Anna Schulz died from trauma to the neck. The body was discovered Wednesday night.
Schulz was a special education teacher at the Lew Wallace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy in Gary.
She was a well-loved teacher who was known to buy clothing and supplies for needy students.
Police say they believe Schulz's killer took her car. They are looking for a 2003, four-door silver Cadillac DeVille with Indiana license plate 348 BMR.
