Nordstrom re-opens after worker fatally shot on Black Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Nordstrom's in River North reopened Sunday, two days after a 22-year-old woman was fatally shot inside the store during Black Friday shopping.

As police continue to investigate Friday night's murder-suicide, relatives of Nadia Ezaldein say they thought they would be planning a celebratory birthday dinner, but instead they are planning a funeral.

As Nordstrom's store on Chicago's Magnificent Mile reopened its doors to holiday shoppers Sunday there were signs of the sorrow felt by the co-workers and friends of Ezaldein. A bouquet of flowers along with a handwritten note of condolence remained near a store escalator.

The Florida native died Saturday afternoon in the hours following a murder-suicide that played out inside the upscale department store. Police say Ezaldein was shot in the head by her ex-boyfriend 31-year old Marcus Dee of Chicago.

Witnesses say Dee walked into the accessories department where Ezaldein was working, exchanged words with her and then shot her before turning the gun on himself.

"The operator said something, but I wasn't sure what she said, and my manager was like, 'Get to the back, get to the back,'" employee Charles Warren said.

Relatives say Ezaldein had been physically and mentally abused by Dee, even after their year-long relationship ended in December of 2013.

Ezaldein was a University of Chicago law student but was not currently enrolled. She had been working as a seasonal employee at Nordstrom since October to help pay for school.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Seattle-based retailer said, "We are going to take this opportunity to review security to make sure we do everything to keep our employees and customers safe."

The tragic incident occurred on Ezaldein's 22nd birthday. It is believed relatives had flown in to celebrate with her.

Police have not given an official motivation for the gunman, but have said that this incident is isolated.