On Monday, two custodians were discovered dead from gunshot wounds inside a Chicago elementary school, with reports suggesting that one may have killed the other before taking his own life.
According to the police, a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were found unresponsive at Mark Twain Elementary School shortly after 3:30 p.m. Both victims had suffered gunshot wounds to the head and were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A weapon was located at the scene, although its specifics remain unclear. The school principal, Matthew Moline, informed parents about the tragedy in a letter, mentioning that the incident occurred when students were not present on the premises.
He expressed condolences, writing, “I am sorry that people in our school community were affected.” The union representing custodial staff at Chicago Public Schools, SEIU Local 73, confirmed that the deceased individuals were both employees of the school.
Trumaine Reeves, SEIU Local 73’s executive vice president, commented on the situation, stating, “The only fact we know at this time is that two families have lost loved ones. Our prayers are with their families, the staff, students, and families of Mark Twain Elementary School.”
Reports from the Chicago Sun-Times, citing police information, indicated that the older custodian was upset about being transferred, which allegedly led him to shoot his colleague before turning the gun on himself.
Moline also acknowledged the community’s concerns, saying, “We know this news is extremely worrying for our families and staff. We will seek to provide additional information to the school community as the investigation progresses.”
