Two custodians were discovered shot to death inside a Chicago elementary school Monday afternoon, both suffering single gunshot wounds to the head in what authorities are investigating as a double homicide at Mark Twain Elementary School on the city’s South Side.

Discovery at Mark Twain Elementary

Chicago police found a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man with fatal head wounds inside the school building Monday afternoon. Both victims were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where medical staff pronounced them dead shortly after arrival. Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased custodians pending family notification and ongoing investigation.

School principal Matthew Moline confirmed that no students were present in the building when the shooting occurred. In a letter distributed to the school community, Moline acknowledged that members of the school family had been directly affected by the tragedy. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing updates as investigators work to determine what happened inside the elementary school.

Union Response and Community Impact

Trumaine Reeves, Executive Vice President of SEIU Local 73, the union representing custodial staff throughout Chicago Public Schools, released a statement expressing condolences. The union confirmed that two families had lost loved ones and extended prayers to the victims’ families as well as the broader Mark Twain Elementary community. The organization represents thousands of custodial workers across the district who maintain school facilities.

The shooting marks another violent incident affecting Chicago’s educational institutions, raising questions about security measures at school buildings during non-instructional hours. Custodial staff typically work both during and after school hours, often with minimal security presence when students are not in attendance. The investigation continues as detectives work to establish a timeline and motive for the killings.

Investigation Continues

Chicago police have not announced any arrests or identified potential suspects in the double homicide. Investigators are examining security footage and interviewing witnesses who may have information about activities at the school Monday. The crime scene remained secured as forensic teams processed evidence from inside the elementary school building. Authorities are working to determine whether the shooter had any connection to the school or the victims, and what circumstances led to the fatal encounter inside the educational facility.