Assistant Principal Killed Outside School in Shocking Incident

An assistant principal at a Chicago-area middle school was killed in a horrific shooting outside the school in front of shocked students, leaving the community reeling. Two others were also killed before the gunman turned the rifle on himself.

The victim was identified as Nerissa Lee, assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, according to Berwyn North School District 98.

Police say the violence unfolded around 4 p.m. Tuesday when officers heard gunfire near the 6400 block of 16th Street, just steps from the school. When they arrived, they saw a man firing a rifle into a car. Inside, they later found two dead victims, including Lee. The other victim was identified as 54-year-old Steven T. Lee. A third person killed has not yet been publicly named.

Officers said the gunman opened fire on them before fatally shooting himself. They did not return fire. Authorities believe the attack was connected to domestic violence and stressed there was no ongoing threat to the public.

The news left the school district heartbroken. “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,” Superintendent Michelle Smith said in a statement to families.

Classes were canceled on Wednesday, but grief counselors and social workers were on hand for students. The school will reopen Thursday with added support.

The Berwyn Police Department also released a statement honoring Lee, calling her a “dedicated educator and leader who touched the lives of countless students and staff members.”

Friends and parents are now sharing memories of her kindness. Childhood friend Michelle Sunshyne Stockdale wrote on Facebook: “We laughed and cackled like we was still in 6th or 7th grade! Smh just so sad. Rest up my girl! Prayers to her family they are great people!”

Parent Andrea Vazquez said the tragedy hit close to home, recalling how her son had been at the same spot with his soccer team just 30 minutes before the shooting. She added that her son had just spoken about how nice Lee was, remembering how she had jokingly scolded him at lunch the day before. “Everything about this is heart wrenching,” she wrote.

The community is now mourning the loss of an admired leader whose life was cut short in front of the very school where she spent her days supporting students. Police continue to investigate the deadly shooting.