Full Breakdown
Tragic Shooting Outside Lincoln Middle School Claims Three Lives
9/20/2025, 12:44:05 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 16, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including Nerissa Lee, the school's assistant principal, and her mother, Joycelyn Everage. The shooter, identified as Steven T. Lee, Nerissa's husband, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after firing a rifle at his wife and mother-in-law.
Sequence of Events
The incident unfolded around 4:05 p.m. as school was letting out. Berwyn police responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find Steven Lee shooting into a vehicle occupied by Nerissa and Joycelyn. As officers approached, he directed fire at them, prompting police to take cover without returning fire. The shooting ended with the deaths of all three individuals at the scene.
Background and Context
According to family members, the relationship between Nerissa and Steven Lee had deteriorated significantly since June 2025, culminating in this violent incident. Shana Everage, Nerissa's sister, indicated that the couple's issues had reached a "boiling point" just before the shooting. On the day of the incident, Joycelyn had reportedly picked up Nerissa from school to accompany her to the police station to file a report related to a previous incident involving a weapon.
Community Impact
The shooting has profoundly affected the Berwyn community, with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Smith of Berwyn North School District 98 expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Nerissa Lee, describing her as a dedicated educator who positively impacted countless students and staff. The Berwyn Police Department echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the tragic nature of the event and the need for community support during this difficult time.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement, Superintendent Smith announced, “It is with great sadness that I announce to you that Nerissa Lee, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School, lost her life in yesterday’s tragic shooting that occurred outside of Lincoln.” The Berwyn Police Department also stated, “The impact of this loss is deeply felt not only within the school community but throughout Berwyn.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has been described as isolated and domestic-related, some community members have expressed concerns about the broader implications of domestic violence. Mayor Robert Lovero remarked on the rippling effects of domestic violence, stating, “Domestic violence has a rippling effect on a community and changes the lives of all those impacted.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a horrible thing… I have a lot of emotions. I don’t quite know what to feel,” — Shana Everage, Nerissa Lee's sister
- “She was very invested in her students. … She accomplished a lot, she lived her life and she was a really great human being. And that’s how she should be remembered.” — Hailey Bedoy, former student
- “This was somebody that was a really positive, caring and impactful person in our community,” — Robert Pabon, 5th Ward Alderman
What's Next
Classes at Lincoln Middle School resumed on September 18, 2025, with counselors available to support students and staff. The Berwyn Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, reaffirming their commitment to community safety and support.
