A Chicago Public Schools employee who was shot and killed outside the elementary school where he was working Thursday afternoon, simply wanted to give students in the violence-plagued city neighborhood a better future, friends said.
"All he wanted to do was return the chance that he was given to other kids," said his best friend Edith Herbert. "And that is the most honorable thing you can do."
Denzel Thornton, 25, was shot while walking to his car around 12:30 p.m. outside Robert McNair Elementary School in the 4800 block of W Walton St in the South Austin neighborhood. Children were still in school and eighth graders were just hours away from graduation when someone shot Thornton in the head before fleeing, according to authorities. Thornton was pronounced dead on the scene.
"What do we tell our children that's graduating?" said said friend Corey Hardiman. "'Do I have a chance at life? Do I have a chance at living my dream?'"
Thornton, of the 800 block of W Buena Ave in Buena Park, worked for Chicago Public Schools as a Compliance Specialist for Nutrition Services, according to a statement from the district. He had worked for CPS for 10 months, was based out of the district's central office, and was doing his regular rounds at McNair when the shooting occurred, officials said.
"It does not appear the school, the students, or staff was targeted or in risk at anytime," CPD Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy said in a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Roy also said Thornton had no gang ties or criminal history.
“On behalf of all of Chicago Public Schools, we were devastated to learn today about the tragic death of one of our employees," CPS CEO Forrest Claypool said in a statement. "Denzel Thornton was a member of our Nutrition Services team, and like many CPS employees, he worked hard every day to serve our children. Even in challenging circumstances, CPS employees are extraordinarily dedicated to the students we serve, and I have the deepest respect for their commitment and hard work. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Denzel Thornton, and we will all keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Shortly after the shooting, families received an automated call saying "The Chicago Police Department is currently investigating an incident that took place outside our school today. No McNair students were injured as a result of this incident, however students may have questions or be upset by what happened. The CPS Crisis Support Team will be at school tomorrow to provide assistance to any students needing support, as well as an increased presence from CPS Safety and Security."
The 8th grade graduation took place as scheduled.
Thonrton had received a full scholarship to Johnson and Wales University and previously interned as a chef at Disney World before returning to Chicago to give back to the community. He was involved in the Career Through Culinary Arts Program, a program that opened up the doors of opportunity for him.
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"He played by the rules, he went by the book, he did what he was supposed to do," said Herbert.
Those who knew him say he made a major mark in the city during his short, but promising life.
"He was remarkable, he overcame so much in his short life and wanted to give back and do so much more," said his mentor Nicola Copelan.
No one was in custody for the shooting Friday as police continue to investigate.
