Two school custodians were fatally shot Monday afternoon, August 10, at Mark Twain Elementary School in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the shooting as a murder-suicide.
Chicago police said the shooting took place at 3:40 p.m. inside the school building at 5134 S. Lotus Ave. No children were present inside the school. Classes are set to resume on August 24.
Police said the murder victim was Amalia Bautista Perez, 48, who suffered a single gunshot wound to the face. A gofundme campaign has been launched to help pay for her funeral expenses. Donations may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-amalia-bautistas. It had raised $4,500 toward a goal of $16,000 as of August 14.
The organizer, Esmeralda Marchan, said, “Amalia Bautista, the beloved mother of a dear friend, was tragically taken on Monday, August 10. Amalia was a custodian at Mark Twain Elementary, and she will be remembered as so much more than her job title. She was a mother, a daughter, and a friend whose kindness touched everyone who knew her. The loss of Amalia has left her family and loved ones heartbroken, and they are now facing the painful task of planning services while grieving such a sudden tragedy.”
The medical examiner’s office said a 63-year-old man identified as Theotis James Stigger was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the head.
Both victims were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where they died.
A weapon was found at the scene.
Some reports indicate the man was upset because he was being transferred to another school. Those reports said the female victim was his replacement.
Union officials confirmed both victims were members of SEIU Local 73 union.
The school principal informed Mark Twain families that shots had been fired inside the building and that CPS and CPD were responding.
Detectives are continuing to investigate.