"Periodically I would bring in cookies for the kids," Manger Mary VanGemmeren told FOX Chicago News. "I just remember Justin saying you're the best mom in the world because you bring me cookies. He was just the sweetest little boy, so nice and well mannered, tender hearted little boy."
Mary VanGemmeren met Justin's mother on several occasions and says there were no red flags, not even a warning - just two parents who wanted the best for their child.
"His mom would sit with us, his dad would come to every belt test and they seemed very loving and attentive and they wanted their son to succeed and they encouraged him. They just seemed like a nice family, they seemed like good people," VanGemmeren said.
At Brookdale Elementary School where 5-year-old Olivia Dworakowski was a student, flags were at half staff as the community mourned the loss of two innocent lives.
Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall says some officers were familiar with Olivia before this tragedy.
"On the first day of school this year, Olivia accidentally ended up in the wrong classroom the wrong kindergarten classroom. Investigators responded to the scene and found her in another classroom," Marshall explains. "We were successful and several of our officers met Olivia at that time on that day and they had lunch with her officers told me she was such a sweet loving little girl."
Many of those same investigators are working on this case. It's an investigation that has left a community and two families with broken hearts.
"This tragedy has hit our community hard the senseless taking of the lives of these two children defies logic our community is grieving," Marshall said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:43 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
