Illinois Assistant Principal and Her Mother Fatally Shot by Husband Outside Lincoln Middle School
Berwyn, IL – In a tragic incident on Tuesday, September 16, Lincoln Middle School Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee, 46, and her mother were fatally shot by her husband, Steven Lee, 54, outside the Illinois school before he took his own life.
The shocking event unfolded in front of the school with about 100 students locked down inside during the chaos, though fortunately, no students were harmed.
The community has been deeply shaken by this extreme act of domestic violence, which has left a lasting impact on staff, students, and residents of Berwyn. Police have confirmed that the incident was isolated with no ongoing threat.
The Events of the Tragic Day
According to the Berwyn Police Department, officers were already nearby when gunshots rang out at approximately 4 p.m. outside Lincoln Middle School. Steven Lee was seen firing a rifle into a vehicle containing his wife and her mother. Afterward, he shot toward officers before fatally shooting himself. Authorities emphasized that officers did not return fire.
Nerissa Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother’s identity has not yet been released by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Following the incident, the school implemented an immediate lockdown for the safety of about 100 students present inside the building.
- Event date: September 16, 2024
- Location: Outside Lincoln Middle School, Berwyn, Illinois
- Victims: Nerissa Lee (Assistant Principal, 46) and her mother
- Perpetrator: Steven Lee (54), deceased by self-inflicted gunshot wound
- Students locked down: Approximately 100
- No students or staff injuries reported
Community Response and School Reactions
The Berwyn Police Department described the incident as a domestic violence case and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat to the community.
“The impact of this loss is felt deeply not only within the school community but throughout Berwyn,” the department stated. “Assistant Principal Lee was a dedicated educator and leader who touched the lives of countless students and staff members.”
Families were informed that classes would resume on Thursday, September 18, with counseling services made available for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Seventh-grader Christopher Cruz-Villogoez, who experienced the lockdown firsthand, shared his emotions with CBS Chicago, describing feelings of fear, sadness, and anger during the shooting.
“I was like scared, like I was talking to my mom like you shouldn’t come here because it was a little bit dangerous,” he recalled. “Because I was scared because of what was happening, and it was very scary, and I didn’t want her to be a part of the situation either.”
Remembering Nerissa Lee’s Legacy
At a recent memorial service, students reflected on Lee’s vibrant personality and dedication to her role at Lincoln Middle School.
“I saw her laughing with the other people and she would laugh so hard that I didn’t understand the joke but I would also laugh,” a student told.
“She was always, always about her work, she sound like she did really love her school, really loved her kids. She was all about what she needed to do.”
Her sister, Shana Everage, noted that the tragic domestic violence incident had been escalating over recent months.
“It had started ever since I want to say the tail end of June and basically the boiling point would have been yesterday,” she explained. “They my family, I mean it’s a horrible thing, you know I have a lot of emotions. I don’t quite know what to feel.”
For more detailed information on this heartbreaking story, visit People.com.
Looking Ahead: Healing and Support After the Tragedy
The community of Berwyn has begun the healing process as students returned to school with mental health resources offered to help cope with the trauma. School officials and counselors are actively working to support those affected by this violent act.
- Counseling available for students and staff
- Continued security measures to ensure safety
- Community memorials and support events planned
This tragedy highlights the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of vigilance and support in such situations.
What do you think about this incident and the impact of domestic violence in school communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.