BERWYN, Ill. — A community is in mourning after a deadly shooting outside Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn left three people dead, including a school administrator.
Nerissa Lee, 46, the assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School, was confirmed as one of the victims by Berwyn North School District 98 Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith in a message to families.
“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,” Smith wrote on the district’s Facebook page.
Smith said classes will resume on Thursday, with grief counselors available to support students and staff. She also stressed that the incident was related to domestic violence and that there is no ongoing threat to the school community.
Beloved Educator Remembered
Lee, who began her career as a teacher before moving into administration, was widely admired by colleagues, students, and parents alike. Former students remembered her for her kindness and hands-on approach, saying she often stood outside to see children off at the end of the school day.
On Wednesday, parents and students gathered outside the school, leaving flowers and handwritten notes at a growing memorial in Lee’s honor.
The Shooting
According to Berwyn police, officers responded to the scene in the 6400 block of 16th Street just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, when a barrage of gunfire broke out outside the school. Officers already in the area reported hearing as many as 20 shots.
Police said they witnessed a man firing a rifle into another vehicle. As they approached, the shooter turned the weapon toward them, forcing officers to take cover. Authorities said the suspect then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
At the time of the shooting, roughly 100 students were inside the school participating in after-school programs. The building was placed on lockdown, but no students were harmed.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified another victim as Steven Lee, 54. The identity of the third person killed has not yet been released.
Community Response
In a statement, Berwyn police said the loss has deeply shaken the entire city:
“The impact of this loss is felt deeply not only within the school community but throughout Berwyn. Assistant Principal Lee was a dedicated educator and leader who touched the lives of countless students and staff members.”
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading to the shooting, the Berwyn community remains united in grief, paying tribute to Lee’s legacy as a mentor, educator, and leader whose life was tragically cut short.