2 custodians found shot to death at Garfield Ridge elementary school: police, union

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Two school custodians were found shot to death inside Mark Twain Elementary School on Monday afternoon, according to police and the employees' union.

The school's principal said no students were inside the building at the time of the shooting, but the incident left some families questioning school safety ahead of the start of the school year.

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Police said they received a call at about 3:40 p.m. from the Garfield Ridge neighborhood's 5100-block of South Lotus. A 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were found inside the school, each with a single gunshot wound to the head, police said. Both were transported to a hospital, where they died.

Audio from police radio communications included reports that "In the hallway we have one female," "The shooter shot himself in the head," and "There is a firearm right next to the offender."

Police have not said what led to the gunfire.

The two people who died were school custodians, according to their union. In a statement, the union said, "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."

Among those expressing concern was parent Felicia Puga, whose daughter is set to begin second grade in two weeks.

"I'm appalled. This is ridiculous. Fourteen days until school. And janitors, people that are in the school with my child," Puga said. "Imagine if a new student wanted to come in here to the office. They're with their parents. Hey, we want to register our kid for so-and-so, and then this just happens."

Former student Edgar Ochoa said the shooting was unexpected.

"I think it's kind of sad. It's kind of unexpected because, you know, when I came here it was never bad around here," Ochoa said.

In a letter to parents, the school's principal wrote, "We know that this news will be deeply concerning to our families and staff."

The principal also wrote, "Please know that we are taking this situation very seriously to ensure the safety of our school community."

According to the principal, the school immediately contacted police and the Chicago Public Schools Office of Safety and Security following the shooting.

As the investigation continues, some parents remain uneasy about returning their children to school.

"How would you feel as a parent? Would you feel your kids are safe? No. Not at all," Puga said.

Area One detectives are investigating.

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