Chicago police say two school custodians were fatally shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School near Midway Airport on Monday, August 10, 2026. Investigators believe the shooting was a murder-suicide, with a 63-year-old man shooting a 48-year-old woman before turning the gun on himself. Both victims died at Advocate Christ Medical Center after being found unresponsive at the school. Police say the threat appears contained, and no active shooter remains at large.[1][2][5][15]
- Two custodians, a 63-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, were found shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School around 3:40 p.m. on August 10, 2026.[1][8][15]
- Chicago police describe the shooting as an apparent murder-suicide, not a random attack on students or staff.[1][2][14]
- The school sits in the 5100 block of South Lotus Avenue in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, close to Midway Airport.[1][8]
- Both victims suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where they later died.[1][5][9]
- A firearm was recovered next to the male victim, supporting the working theory that he is the shooter.[1][14][15]
- No students were in the building at the time investigators believe the shooting occurred, since the incident happened outside regular school hours in early August.
- Chicago Public Schools and city officials are expected to address building security and support for staff in the coming days.
- This tragedy adds to a national conversation about workplace and school violence that touches families across the country, including here in the Mohawk Valley.
When Did the Mark Twain Elementary School Shooting Near Chicago Midway Airport Happen?
The shooting happened on Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time. Chicago police officers responded to a 911 call and found two adults unresponsive inside the building.[1][8][15]
The timing matters. Because the incident occurred in early August, before the start of the 2026-2027 school year in Chicago, the building was largely empty of students. That detail has shaped much of the public reaction, since many families initially feared a mass-casualty event involving children.
Here’s a quick timeline of what’s confirmed so far:
- 3:40 p.m., August 10, 2026, Officers respond to reports of shots fired inside the school.[1]
- Shortly after arrival, Police locate two adults with gunshot wounds and a firearm near one victim.[1][14]
- En route to hospital, Both victims are transported in critical condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.[1][5][9]
- Later that afternoon, Both victims are pronounced dead.[1][8][15]
What Happened When 2 Custodians Were Fatally Shot at Mark Twain Elementary School Near Chicago Midway Airport, Police Say?
Police say two custodians were fatally shot inside Mark Twain Elementary School, and the evidence collected at the scene points to a murder-suicide rather than an outside attack. Officers found the victims inside the school, along with a firearm next to the male victim.[1][2][14][15]
Radio traffic captured during the response referenced one victim found in a hallway, along with reports that “the shooter shot himself in the head.” That detail lines up with the physical evidence police described: a firearm recovered beside the 63-year-old man, whose wound investigators called “apparently self-inflicted.”[1][14][15]
This wasn’t a random act carried out by an outside intruder targeting a school full of children, based on what police have shared publicly. It appears to be a case of interpersonal violence between two adults who worked at the same building. That distinction matters for how the community, and school districts nationwide, should think about prevention and response going forward.
How Many People Were Killed? 2 Custodians Fatally Shot at Mark Twain Elementary School Near Chicago Midway Airport, Police Say
Two people died in the shooting: a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, both employed as custodians at Mark Twain Elementary School. Both suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and were pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.[1][5][8][9][15]
There is no indication from official statements that any other victims were involved. Police have not reported additional injuries connected to this incident.
| Detail | Victim 1 | Victim 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 48 | 63 |
| Gender | Female | Male |
| Role | Custodian | Custodian |
| Injury | Gunshot wound to head | Gunshot wound to head, apparently self-inflicted |
| Outcome | Pronounced dead at hospital | Pronounced dead at hospital |
Sources: [1][5][8][9][14][15]
Who Were the Custodians Killed at Mark Twain Elementary School?
Both victims worked as custodians at Mark Twain Elementary School, according to Chicago police and multiple news outlets. Officials identified them as a 63-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, though full names had not been widely released in early reporting.[2][5][10]
Custodial staff are often the last people in a school building at the end of the day and the first to arrive in the morning. They keep classrooms clean, maintain equipment, and often build quiet relationships with students and teachers over years of service. Their deaths are a loss for the entire school community, even though the exact nature of the relationship between the two victims remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Is There a Suspect? What Chicago Police Say About Arrests and a Motive
No arrest is expected in this case because police believe the shooter died at the scene. Chicago police describe the incident as an apparent murder-suicide, with the 63-year-old male victim identified as the likely shooter based on the firearm recovered next to him and the nature of his wound.[1][2][14][15]
As for motive, police have not publicly detailed a specific reason behind the shooting. Investigators typically look at:
- Personal or workplace conflicts between the individuals involved
- Any history of domestic issues, restraining orders, or prior police contact
- Financial or personal stressors uncovered during the investigation
- Witness statements from coworkers or building staff
Chicago police have not confirmed any of these factors publicly as of this writing. Families and reporters should expect updates only through official statements, not speculation, as the investigation into the motive continues.
Where Is Mark Twain Elementary School Located?
Mark Twain Elementary School sits in the 5100 block of South Lotus Avenue (reported by some outlets as 5134 S. Lotus Avenue) in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood, close to Midway Airport.[1][8][15]
Garfield Ridge is a residential, working-class neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Its location near Midway Airport means many residents work in aviation, logistics, or nearby small businesses. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community identity, and news of violence inside one of its schools has understandably shaken residents.
How Did Chicago Police Respond Near Midway Airport?
Chicago police responded quickly after receiving reports of shots fired, arriving to find both victims already down inside the building. Officers secured the scene, recovered the firearm near the male victim, and coordinated with paramedics to transport both people to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.[1][5][14][15]
Based on the evidence gathered, including radio traffic referencing the self-inflicted wound and the recovered weapon, police determined early on that the immediate danger had passed. That assessment allowed officers to shift quickly into investigation mode rather than an ongoing search for an armed suspect.
Chicago’s police response to school-related violence generally follows a standard pattern:
- Secure the scene and confirm whether an active threat remains.
- Provide emergency medical transport to victims.
- Interview witnesses and staff present at the time.
- Collect physical evidence, including any weapons recovered.
- Coordinate with the school district on notifications to families and staff.
How Common Are Chicago School Shootings? A Look at Recent Statistics
School-related shootings involving Chicago Public Schools properties are relatively rare compared to community gun violence in the city overall, though incidents involving school staff or after-hours building access do occur periodically. Reliable, sourced statistics specific to this case are limited at this stage, so readers should rely on official Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools reporting for verified numbers rather than assumptions.
What can be said with confidence, based on the reporting available on this specific incident, is that:
- This shooting is described by police as an isolated murder-suicide between two adults, not a mass-casualty attack on students.[1][2][15]
- The incident occurred when the school was not in active session with children present, based on the August 10 timing.
For broader context on how communities and school districts have handled violence linked to school properties in other states, see past coverage of the Michigan Attorney General’s offer to investigate the Oxford school shooting and the third-party probe into the Oxford, Michigan shooting.
What School Security Changes Could Follow the Mark Twain Elementary Shooting?
Chicago Public Schools and city leaders are likely to review building access policies and staff safety protocols following this incident, though no specific new measures have been officially announced as of this writing. School districts nationwide typically respond to violence involving staff by examining:
- Access control for non-teaching staff during off-hours
- Background check and conflict-reporting procedures for employees
- Mental health and workplace support resources for custodial and maintenance teams
- Building security camera coverage and monitoring
Parents and staff who want a voice in these decisions can attend upcoming Chicago Board of Education meetings or contact their local school council. Civic participation, even something as simple as showing up to a public meeting, shapes how districts respond to tragedies like this one.
How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings and Safety
Parents should keep conversations about school violence age-appropriate, calm, and focused on the facts available, rather than speculation. Child psychologists and school counselors generally recommend a few core steps when discussing incidents like the one at Mark Twain Elementary School:
- Ask what your child has already heard before offering new information.
- Confirm the basic facts calmly, and avoid graphic details.
- Reassure them about the safety measures in place at their own school.
- Watch for signs of anxiety in the days following news coverage, such as trouble sleeping or reluctance to attend school.
- Reach out to a school counselor or pediatrician if worry persists beyond a few days.
Families in the Mohawk Valley and elsewhere dealing with anxious kids after national school violence news can also lean on local school counselors and community mental health services for support.
Latest News and Updates on the Chicago School Shooting Investigation
As of August 11, 2026, Chicago police continue to treat the case as an apparent murder-suicide involving two custodians at Mark Twain Elementary School, with no active suspect at large. Investigators are expected to release additional details as the medical examiner’s office confirms cause of death and toxicology results.[1][2][15]
Readers following this story should watch for updates from the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Chicago Public Schools. Local outlets that have covered breaking developments include ABC7 Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times.[1][2]
For additional context on how Chicago has handled other high-profile local incidents, see prior coverage of an activist barred from a Chicago courthouse during the Jussie Smollett trial. And for a reminder on general school safety awareness as students head back to class this fall, review these tips for drivers as school buses return to the roads.
Conclusion
The shooting at Mark Twain Elementary School is a painful reminder that violence can touch even the quietest corners of a community, including the custodial staff who keep our schools running behind the scenes. Two people who spent their careers maintaining a safe space for children are now gone, and their deaths deserve more than a passing headline.
Communities across the country, including families here in the Mohawk Valley, can honor that loss by staying engaged: attend your local school board meetings, ask questions about building safety policies, and support mental health resources for school staff, not just students. Local journalism exists to keep these stories from fading before answers arrive, so check back with trusted outlets for verified updates rather than rumors. If this story affected you or someone you know, reach out to a school counselor, employee assistance program, or local mental health provider for support.
FAQ
When did the Mark Twain Elementary School shooting happen?
The shooting happened on Monday, August 10, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m., according to Chicago police.[1][8]
How many people died in the shooting?
Two people died: a 48-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, both custodians at the school.[1][5][8][9]
Was this a mass shooting involving students?
No. Police describe it as an apparent murder-suicide between two adult staff members, not an attack on students.[1][2][15]
Is there a suspect still at large?
No. Police believe the male victim died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting the female victim, meaning the person responsible is among the deceased.[1][14][15]
Where is Mark Twain Elementary School located?
The school is in the 5100 block of South Lotus Avenue in Chicago’s Garfield Ridge neighborhood, near Midway Airport.[1][8]
Were the victims’ names released?
Officials identified the victims by age and job role, a 63-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, both custodians, though full names were not widely confirmed in early reports.[2][5][10]
What hospital were the victims taken to?
Both were transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where they were later pronounced dead.[1][5][9]
What should parents tell their kids about this shooting?
Keep explanations simple and factual, reassure them about their own school’s safety measures, and watch for signs of anxiety in the days that follow.
References
[1] abc7chicago – https://abc7chicago.com/post/authorities-responding-reports-garfield-ridge-chicago-shooting-south-lotus-avenue-mark-twain-elementary-school/19658403/
[2] Mark Twain Elementary School Shooting Custodian – https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/08/10/mark-twain-elementary-school-shooting-custodian
[5] 2 Custodians Killed In Shooting At Mark Twain Elementary School Near Midway Airport – https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/2-custodians-killed-in-shooting-at-mark-twain-elementary-school-near-midway-airport/
[8] Chicago Shooting Two Custodians Shot At Mark Twain Elementary School Article 155545903 – https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/chicago-shooting-two-custodians-shot-at-mark-twain-elementary-school-article-155545903
[9] Db4h61ljhal – https://www.instagram.com/p/Db4h61ljHAL/
[10] facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KOLDNews/posts/authorities-said-the-victims-a-63-year-old-man-and-a-48-year-old-woman-were-cust/1396266645936866/
[14] x – https://x.com/chicagotribune/status/2086951914080440624
[15] Watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkXFwqWIm5g
