Two custodians were found fatally shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School in Chicago on Monday, police said. The victims, a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, were discovered shortly after 3:30 p.m. and later pronounced dead at local hospitals. Investigators are examining the incident as a possible murder-suicide. No students were present in the building when the shots were fired, according to the school principal.
Both victims worked at the school, according to SEIU Local 73, the union representing Chicago Public Schools custodial employees. Authorities said each victim had been shot once in the head, and an unspecified weapon was recovered at the scene.
| 1) | Victims found inside Mark Twain Elementary School |
| 2) | Police investigate a possible murder-suicide |
| 3) | School officials address families and staff |
| 4) | Union confirms both victims were employees |
| 5) | Investigation remains ongoing |
Victims found inside Mark Twain Elementary School
Chicago police said officers responded to Mark Twain Elementary School shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday and found a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man unresponsive inside the building. Both had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. They were transported to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.
The incident occurred inside the Chicago elementary school at a time when students were not present. Police said an unspecified weapon was recovered at the scene. The identities of the victims had not been publicly released in the available information.
Police investigate a possible murder-suicide
Authorities are investigating the deaths as a possible murder-suicide. Based on information cited in a police report, the older custodian was upset about being scheduled for a transfer from the school. He allegedly shot his co-worker before turning the weapon on himself, according to reports.
The circumstances, motive and sequence of events remain subject to the police investigation. Officials have not publicly identified the person believed to have fired the shots, and the available information does not indicate that anyone else was injured.
School officials address families and staff
Matthew Moline, the school principal, informed parents about the deaths in a letter, according to local reporting. He said shots were fired inside the building while no students were present and acknowledged the effect on the school community.
“I am sorry to share that members of our school community were impacted.”
Moline said the school would provide additional information as the investigation continued. He also said the news would be deeply concerning to families and staff, underscoring the need for support as officials worked to establish what happened.
Union confirms both victims were employees
SEIU Local 73 confirmed that both people killed worked as custodians at Mark Twain Elementary School. The union represents custodial employees within Chicago Public Schools and said the deaths affected two families as well as the school’s staff, students and families.
“The only facts we know right now are that two families have lost a loved one and our prayers are with their families, and the staff, students, and families at Mark Twain Elementary School,” said Trumaine Reeves, executive vice president of SEIU Local 73.
The statement reflected the limited information available while investigators processed the scene and worked to confirm the events leading to the shootings.
Investigation remains ongoing
Chicago police continued investigating the deaths, including the relationship between the two custodians, the reported transfer and the circumstances surrounding the weapon found inside the school. Police, Chicago Public Schools and school officials had not provided further details in the available account.
The school community is awaiting additional information from investigators and administrators. The absence of students during the shooting limited the immediate risk to children, but the deaths nonetheless prompted concern among employees, families and others connected to the school.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two custodians were found shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School. |
| 2 | The victims were a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man. |
| 3 | Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide. |
| 4 | No students were present when shots were fired. |
Summary
Two Chicago Public Schools custodians died after being shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School. Police are examining whether one custodian killed the other before taking his own life, with a reported workplace transfer potentially relevant to the investigation. The school and union have expressed support for the victims’ families and the broader school community while authorities determine the full circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred inside Mark Twain Elementary School in Chicago.
Who were the victims?
Police said the victims were a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man. Their names were not included in the available information.
Were students present?
No. The principal said the shots were fired at a time when no students were present in the building.
What are police investigating?
Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide and the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including a reported planned transfer involving the older custodian.
