An assistant principal and her mother tragically lost their lives outside a suburban Chicago middle school when the assistant principal’s husband opened fire on them before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, just a few miles from Chicago.
Nerissa Lee, 46, and her 76-year-old mother were sitting in a car outside the school when Steven T. Lee, the husband, pulled up beside them and shot them with a rifle. Afterward, he fired at responding police officers before fatally shooting himself in the head. Witnesses reported hearing nearly twenty gunshots during the horrifying ordeal.
The sister of Nerissa Lee revealed that the couple’s relationship had been deteriorating since June and reached a boiling point on the day of the tragic incident. The murder-suicide has left the community of Berwyn in shock, as it was ranked as the 33rd safest mid-size city in America just last year.
Nerissa Lee was described as a dedicated educator who had a bubbly personality and was deeply invested in her students. Former students remembered her fondly, with one recalling how she bonded with Lee over a shared love of Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Another student praised her for always being there to help and support those in need.
The school district announced that classes would resume with counselors on-site to support students and staff through this difficult time. Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith expressed deep sadness over the loss of Assistant Principal Lee, stating that she had touched the lives of countless individuals within the school community and beyond.
The Berwyn Police Department also honored Nerissa Lee, highlighting her dedication to education and leadership, and the impact she had on those around her. The community mourns the loss of a beloved educator and leader, whose memory will forever be cherished.
