Assistant principal and mother killed in domestic dispute near Illinois school

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A domestic-related shooting near Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, claimed the lives of three people Tuesday, including beloved assistant principal and devoted mother Nerissa Lee.

Authorities confirmed her death alongside her mother and her husband, Steven T. Lee, in what police described as an isolated incident, NBC Chicago reports.

Details: Illinois Educator Nerissa Lee Among 3 Dead in Domestic Shooting

Berwyn police responded around 4:05 p.m. to reports of gunfire near the school. Officers arrived to find a man firing a rifle into a vehicle. As police approached, the suspect fatally shot himself.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Nerissa Lee, 46, and her mother. Steven T. Lee, 54, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed the shooting was domestic in nature, and family members said tensions had been escalating since June.

A nearby resident described the terrifying sound of nearly two dozen gunshots echoing through the neighborhood.

“It was like 20 shots — so loud,” said Maria Meriz to NBC 5 Chicago who lives next to the school. “They told me to come to the front, and when I did, I saw police right there on the corner.”

Police confirmed that no students suffered harm. About 100 students attended after-school activities at the time of the shooting. Staff initiated a lockdown and accounted for every student safely.

Lincoln Middle School canceled classes Wednesday and offered counseling services to students and staff. Classes resumed Thursday.

Community Mourns a Dedicated Educator and Mother

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith described Lee as a passionate educator who served as both assistant principal and curriculum specialist. Students and staff recognized her for her deep commitment and strong leadership within the school community.

Nerissa Lee’s former students say her warmth and dedication set her apart.

“She had a personality a lot of teachers don’t have anymore,” said Hailey Bedoy, 16, who spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times. “She was bubbly, always invested in her students. And she accomplished so much, lived fully, and was a truly great human being. That’s how she should be remembered.”

The Berwyn Police Department echoed the loss in a statement Wednesday: “The impact of this loss is deeply felt 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.”

The Berwyn Police Department and Cook County officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.