Two custodians were found shot to death Monday inside Mark Twain Elementary School in Chicago, prompting an investigation into a possible murder-suicide. Police said a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were found unresponsive shortly after 3:30 p.m. Both victims were taken to local hospitals and later pronounced dead. Authorities said no students were inside the building when the shots were fired.
The victims were identified as school employees by the union representing Chicago Public Schools custodial workers. Investigators recovered an unspecified weapon at the scene and were examining whether the older custodian killed his co-worker before taking his own life.
The incident left two families grieving and prompted concern among the school community. Officials said additional information would be provided as the investigation continued.
| 1) | Fatal shooting discovered inside the school |
| 2) | What police and investigators reported |
| 3) | Victims identified as school custodians |
| 4) | School and union respond to the deaths |
| 5) | Investigation and support for the community |
Fatal shooting discovered inside the school
Chicago police said officers responded to Mark Twain Elementary School shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday and found two people unresponsive inside the building. The victims, a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, had each been shot once in the head, according to authorities.
Emergency personnel transported both victims to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead. Police did not publicly identify either custodian, and the circumstances leading to the shooting remained under investigation.
What police and investigators reported
Authorities described the case as a possible murder-suicide. An unspecified weapon was found at the school, and investigators were working to establish the sequence of events, the motive and the relationship between the two employees.
A police report cited in local coverage said the older custodian was upset about being scheduled for a transfer from the school. That detail had not, by itself, established a motive, and police had not announced formal conclusions about the case.
Victims identified as school custodians
The union representing Chicago Public Schools custodial employees confirmed that both people killed worked at Mark Twain Elementary School. Their deaths affected two families as well as colleagues who worked with them at the Chicago school.
The available information indicated that both victims were custodial employees, but officials had not released further personal details. Investigators were expected to continue gathering evidence and speaking with people connected to the school.
School and union respond to the deaths
Principal Matthew Moline informed parents in a letter that shots had been fired inside the building when no students were present. He acknowledged the impact on the school community and said administrators would share more information as the investigation progressed.
“I am sorry to share that members of our school community were impacted.”
Union executive vice president Trumaine Reeves said the known facts were that two families had lost loved ones. He also expressed support for the victims’ families, school staff, students and parents.
“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.”
Investigation and support for the community
The investigation remained active, with police, school officials and the custodial workers’ union responding to the deaths. Officials had not reported any student injuries, and the principal’s letter emphasized that students were not present when the gunfire occurred.
School leaders said they would work to provide additional information and support as authorities examined what happened. The case remained characterized as a possible murder-suicide while investigators continued determining the exact circumstances.
| 1 | Two custodians were found fatally shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School. |
| 2 | Police are investigating the deaths as a possible murder-suicide. |
| 3 | No students were inside the building when the shots were fired. |
| 4 | School officials and the employees’ union offered support to families and staff. |
Summary
Two custodians died after being shot inside a Chicago elementary school Monday afternoon. Police are investigating whether one employee killed the other before taking his own life, while school and union officials are supporting the affected families and community. The motive and full sequence of events had not been established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Mark Twain Elementary School?
Two custodians were found shot and unresponsive inside the Chicago school shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday. Both later died at local hospitals.
Who were the victims?
Police said the victims were a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man. Their names had not been publicly released, but their union confirmed that both worked as custodians at the school.
Were students present during the shooting?
No. The principal said the shots were fired when no students were present inside the building.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police were investigating the deaths as a possible murder-suicide and working to determine the motive and sequence of events. An unspecified weapon was found at the scene.