On June 16, 2016, 25-year-old African American male Denzel D. Thornton was fatally shot outside Ronald McNair Elementary School in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. At approximately 12:30 p.m., as Thornton was entering his parked vehicle in the 4800 block of West Walton Street, an assailant approached on foot and shot him in the head. The shooter then fled in a black sedan. Thornton was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thornton had been employed by Chicago Public Schools for ten months as a compliance specialist in the Nutrition Services department. He was conducting his regular rounds at McNair Elementary School when the incident occurred. Authorities reported that Thornton had no criminal history or known gang affiliations.
Following the shooting, McNair Elementary School was placed on lockdown until dismissal at 2:30 p.m. An eighth-grade graduation ceremony scheduled for that afternoon proceeded as planned. CPS CEO Forrest Claypool expressed condolences, stating that Thornton was a dedicated member of the Nutrition Services team who worked hard to serve the children of Chicago.
As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Thornton's death. The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the case, seeking information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the offender.
