Students at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn were thrown into panic when gunfire erupted outside the school. Authorities confirmed the shooting was a domestic violence incident involving Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee, her husband Steven Lee, and Lee’s mother.
According to Berwyn Police, 54-year-old Steven Lee arrived at the school armed with a rifle. He opened fire on a parked vehicle, fatally shooting his 46-year-old wife, Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee, and her mother, before turning the weapon on himself.
The People reported that after firing into the car, Lee exchanged shots with police officers before ultimately taking his own life. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the community shaken and devastated.
Nearly 100 students were still inside the school during the ordeal, prompting an immediate lockdown. Seventh-grader Christopher Cruz-Villogoez described the fear he felt, recalling how he called his mother to warn her not to come near the danger.
Police later confirmed the case was domestic-related, stressing that there was no ongoing threat to the public. However, the emotional toll on the Berwyn community has been immense, as residents mourn the loss of a beloved educator and leader.
At a memorial service, students and colleagues remembered Nerissa Lee for her dedication and warmth. One student recalled how her laughter was so infectious that even those who did not understand the joke often joined in.
Family members revealed that tension between Nerissa and Steven had been building since late June. Her sister, Shana Everage, said the tragedy had been months in the making, describing the shooting as a horrific culmination of simmering domestic conflict.
Classes have since resumed at Lincoln Middle School, with grief counselors made available for both students and staff. District officials pledged continued emotional support, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the school and wider community.
Although the hallways of Lincoln Middle now feel emptier without her presence, Nerissa Lee’s legacy of joy, care, and dedication lives on. Students and colleagues continue to cherish the memory of a woman who devoted her life to education.
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