Chicago Tragedy: Assistant Principal, Mother Killed

Chicago Tragedy: Asst. Principal, Mom Killed by Husband

In a tragic act of domestic violence that has shocked a quiet Chicago suburb, Nerissa Lee, a beloved assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, and her mother, Joycelyn Everage, were fatally shot by Lee's husband outside the school. The incident, which occurred on September 16, 2025, also ended with the shooter taking his own life, leaving a community in mourning and emphasizing the urgent need to address domestic abuse. As families, educators, and neighbors grapple with the loss, we remember the victims and examine the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.

The shooting happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, outside Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, a suburb about 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Police officers, who were nearby, heard gunfire and rushed to the scene, where they saw Steven Lee, 54, firing a rifle into a vehicle with his wife, Nerissa Lee, 46, and her mother, Joycelyn Everage, 76. When the officers approached, Steven Lee turned his weapon toward them, causing them to take cover—no officers were hurt, and they did not fire back.

Tragically, Nerissa and Joycelyn were pronounced dead at the scene from their injuries. Steven Lee then died by suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Berwyn Police Department described the attack as an isolated domestic-related incident, with no ongoing threat to the public. Investigations revealed that tensions had been building since late June, reaching a "boiling point" on the day of the shooting. Family members disclosed that Joycelyn had picked up Nerissa from school to take her to the police station, following a weapon-related altercation with Steven the night before.

Nerissa Lee was more than an assistant principal—she was a key part of her school community. At 46, she dedicated her career to education, starting as a teacher before advancing to her leadership role at Lincoln Middle School. Colleagues and students remembered her for her lively personality, kindness, and dedication to helping young lives. She was known for going above and beyond, such as providing extra food to students in need and being deeply committed to their personal and academic growth.

Her loss has created a deep emptiness. School officials emphasized that the incident was not connected to school activities, but its closeness to the campus made the shock even greater. Lincoln Middle School closed on Wednesday, September 17, to allow time for grieving, and reopened the next day with counselors available to help students and staff. A growing memorial at the school entrance, filled with flowers, notes, and photos, stands as a tribute to her influence.

Joycelyn Everage, 76, was described by her family as a devoted mother and grandmother whose life revolved around her loved ones. On that tragic day, she was simply there to support her daughter, highlighting the senseless ripple effects of domestic violence. Her presence in the vehicle turned a personal crisis into a family tragedy, depriving future generations of her warmth and guidance.

Shana average, Nerissa's sister and Joycelyn's daughter, shared her raw emotions afterward: "They're my family, I mean it’s a horrible thing, you know I have a lot of emotions. I don’t quite know what to feel." She noted that the violence "didn't come out of the blue," pointing to escalating issues since June. This revelation has sparked broader conversations about recognizing signs of domestic abuse and the importance of intervention.

The community has rallied in support, with tributes pouring in from educators, parents, and local leaders. Berwyn's close-knit character has amplified the grief, but it also fosters resilience as residents come together to honor the victims.

This tragedy highlights the widespread danger of domestic violence, which often escalates behind closed doors before spilling into public spaces. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) remind us that help is available, and early reporting can save lives. As the investigation continues, authorities are gathering more details, but the focus stays on healing and prevention.

In remembering Nerissa Lee and Joycelyn Everage, we honor lives filled with love and service cut tragically short. Their story serves as a somber reminder for communities everywhere to stand against violence and support those in need.