Two custodians were discovered dead from gunshot wounds at Mark Twain Elementary School in Chicago. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon and involved a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man. According to the Chicago Police Department, both individuals were shot in the head and later pronounced dead at local hospitals.
Authorities revealed that the shooting happened within the school premises around 3:30 p.m. An unspecified weapon was retrieved at the site. No students were present at the time of the shooting.
Matthew Moline, the school’s principal, confirmed the unfortunate event in a letter addressed to parents. He expressed his condolences to those affected within the school community and emphasized the absence of students during the incident.
The SEIU Local 73 union, representing custodial workers in Chicago Public Schools, acknowledged that both victims were part of the elementary school’s staff. Executive Vice President Trumaine Reeves shared sentiments of sorrow and support for the victims’ families and the school’s community.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the older custodian was experiencing distress due to an impending job transfer. Allegedly, this distress led him to shoot his co-worker and subsequently himself.
Principal Moline assured families and staff that ongoing updates and information would be provided as the investigation progresses.