The Assistant Principal of Lincoln Middle School in suburban Berwyn was among the three people fatally shot in a “domestic-related” incident outside the school Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
In an update sent Wednesday, the Berwyn Police Department identified one of the victims as Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee, calling the incident a “tragic loss.”
“The impact of this loss is deeply felt not only within the school community but throughout Berwyn,” the update said. “Assistant Principal Lee was a dedicated educator and leader who touched the lives of countless students and staff members.”
“As we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, we remain committed to ensuring the safety of our community and supporting all affected by this tragedy,” police said.
Berwyn North School District 98 also released a statement to the community, confirming Lee was one of the the victims.
“It is with great sadness that I announce to you that Nerissa Lee, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle school, lost her life in yesterday’s tragic shooting that occurred outside of Lincoln,” the message, signed by Dr. Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Berwyn North School District 98 said.
Smith went on to say that classes at the school would resume Thursday after being canceled Wednesday, with counselors scheduled to be on site.
“As a reminder, this was a domestic violence incident and there is no ongoing threat to the school community,” the message said.
A staff directory page on the Berwyn North School District 98 website Lee listed as both the Assistant Principal and a Curriculum Specialist.
According to the Berwyn Police Department, officers heard gunfire shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday near Lincoln Middle School, at 6432 16th St., and responded to the scene. After arriving, officers found a man firing a rifle into another vehicle.
As officers approached, they came under fire from the suspect, police said. Officers took cover and did not return fire.
During the shooting, three people suffered gunshot wounds, and all three were pronounced dead, authorities said.
Video captured by NBC Chicago’s helicopter Sky 5 showed two vehicles in the middle of the street and what appeared to be blood on the sidewalk. A number of police officers were working on the scene, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape.
The shooting prompted a lockdown at the school, with witnesses reporting hearing dozens of gunshots and the public asked to avoid the area.
A message released to the school community Tuesday by Smith said the gunman fired shots at another car, “before turning the gun on himself,” though NBC Chicago has not independently confirmed that detail.
Police in Berwyn did not immediately confirm to NBC Chicago further details about the suspect or the victims, their relationship to each other.
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