Custodians' Deaths Inside Garfield Ridge School Ruled Murder-Suicide: Medical Examiner

CHICAGO—A pair of custodians who died of gunshot wounds inside a Garfield Ridge elementary school has been ruled a murder-suicide, according to autopsy results from the Cook County Medical Examiner.

Chicago police found a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man at Mark Twain Elementary School, 5104 S. Lotus Ave., with gunshot wounds to the head Monday afternoon, police said. Their identities are still being withheld.

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Both of the gunshot victims were custodians at the school, according to Eric Baily, spokesman for SEIU Local 73, which represents the custodians working at the school. They were rushed to Advocate Christ Medical Center in grave condition, where they were pronounced dead. A gun was recovered at the scene.

Autopsies on Tuesday determined that the 48-year-old woman was shot in the face. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

The 63-year-old man died from a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a suicide.

The older custodian was apparently upset that he was being transferred to another school. Security video from inside the school showed the older custodian walking behind his coworker and shooting her in the face. He walked to the office where he shot himself in the head, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

No students were in the building, as Chicago Public Schools students are set to return to school on Aug. 24.

Trumaine Reeves, executive vice president for SEIU Local 73, confirmed that the union represents the school's custodians.

"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," Reeves said.

Mark Twain Elementary School principal Matthew Moline shared another update Tuesday with the parents and guardians.

"I am following up regarding yesterday's devastating loss to our school community. I imagine that like me, many of you are experiencing a combination of shock, confusion, and sadness in the wake of this tragedy. It will take time to heal from what has happened, and we will need to support each other in the days and weeks ahead.

"In the immediate term, I want to let everyone know that our school building will be closed again tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12. In addition, we are providing crisis support to Twain staff as they prepare to return to school in the coming days.

"I know that some of our students may need support as well when they return to school, and I will provide you with more detail on a plan to provide that support in the coming days.