Gunman Identified as Husband in Fatal Shooting of Berwyn Assistant Principal Outside Middle School

BERWYN, Ill. — A tragic domestic-related shooting outside Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn on Tuesday has left the community in mourning after Assistant Principal Nerissa Lee and her mother were killed. Police confirm the gunman was Lee’s husband, Steven Lee, who later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Shooting Outside the School

The incident unfolded just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, when Berwyn police officers heard gunfire near 6432 16th Street and responded to the scene. Officers reported being fired upon by the suspect but did not return fire. Witnesses described seeing a man with a rifle shooting into another vehicle, sparking chaos as the school went into lockdown.

Authorities have described the case as a domestic situation, with family members confirming tensions had been escalating since late June. Over a dozen gunshots were recorded on a neighbor’s security camera, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the confrontation.

Victims and Community Mourning

Lee’s sister, Shana Everage, confirmed both Nerissa and their mother were killed in the shooting. She described the incident as devastating but not entirely unexpected, noting the family had been concerned for months.

A growing memorial now surrounds Lincoln Middle School, with flowers, balloons, and candles placed by grieving students and staff. Students remembered Lee not only for her leadership but also for her warmth and personality.

“I saw her laughing with other people, and she would laugh so hard that I didn’t even understand the joke but I laughed with her,” one student said. Another added, “She really loved her school, she really loved her kids, and she was always about her work.”

School District Response

The Berwyn North School District 98 listed Lee as both Assistant Principal and Curriculum Specialist on its staff directory. In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith said classes would resume Thursday after being canceled Wednesday, with grief counselors available for students and staff.

The district emphasized its commitment to supporting the school community through the difficult days ahead.

The shooting has left Berwyn families, students, and staff grappling with loss, as tributes continue to pour in for a beloved educator remembered for her dedication and kindness. For more community news and updates, stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com.