BERWYN, Ill. — A quiet suburban community was shattered Tuesday afternoon when gunfire erupted outside Lincoln Middle School, leaving three people dead, including beloved Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee. The shocking act of violence has left families grieving, students and staff reeling, and the entire city of Berwyn searching for answers.
Authorities reported that the shooting occurred shortly after dismissal, in the parking area just steps from the school building. Witnesses described chaotic and terrifying scenes as students, parents, and staff scrambled for safety. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but tragically, three lives could not be saved.
Among those killed was Nerissa Lee, whose sudden loss has struck a particularly painful chord with the community. Lee, widely respected for her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her students, had worked tirelessly to support children both academically and personally. Colleagues described her as a steady presence who always put students first, often going above and beyond to make them feel safe and valued.
“Her door was always open,” one teacher shared. “Whether a student needed help with schoolwork, or just someone to listen, she was there. She believed in every single one of them.”
The identities of the other two victims have not yet been formally released pending notification of their families, but police confirmed that the shooting appeared to stem from a domestic-related incident. While details remain under investigation, authorities have stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
In the wake of the tragedy, Lincoln Middle School has canceled classes for the remainder of the week, with grief counselors being made available to both students and staff. Parents gathered outside the school Tuesday evening, many embracing one another, united in grief and disbelief that such violence had struck so close to home.
Berwyn city officials have expressed deep sorrow over the incident, vowing to support the victims’ families and the school community in the difficult days ahead. Mayor Robert Lovero called Lee’s death “an incalculable loss to Berwyn’s children and families,” noting her profound impact on education and the lives she touched.
Students, many of whom considered Lee a mentor and friend, have already begun leaving flowers, letters, and candles near the school’s front steps in a makeshift memorial. Messages of love and remembrance continue to pour in across social media, highlighting her role as not just an administrator, but as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
While investigators continue piecing together the circumstances of the shooting, the community is left grappling with heartbreak and disbelief. For those who knew and loved Nerissa Lee, her absence will be deeply felt — in the hallways of Lincoln Middle School, in the hearts of her students, and in the lives of colleagues who saw her as both a leader and a friend.
