Two people, including a secretary at Portage High School, died and a third was injured in a shooting after what police are calling a “domestic disturbance” Friday night at a Portage home.
The Porter County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Brandy Manville, 46, a secretary at Portage High School, and her husband, Charles, 45. Police have confirmed that the third victim was the couple’s adult daughter.
In a statement to the Portage High School community released on Saturday, the district described Brandy Manville as someone who “always gave a welcoming smile to all visitors to the main office, offering many of our students a listening ear and words of encouragement each day.”
The school district said that counseling services will be available for students and staff, and principals will provide instructions on Monday morning for accessing the services.
Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano confirmed the couple’s daughter was transported to a Chicago hospital for treatment of her injuries, which police said were life-threatening. Mayor Austin Bonta shared in a social media post on Saturday that she was alive and stable.
According to a Friday night release from Portage Police, officers responded at 7:41 p.m. to the 6300 block of Monument Avenue for “a report of a domestic disturbance.”
As the first responding units approached the home, police said, they heard several gunshots from inside the residence. Officers entered the home and confirmed there were two deceased adults inside.
Police said officers did not discharge their weapons during the call and they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.
The shooting is still under investigation.
“The Porter County Coroner’s Office would like to extend our condolences to all the family and loved ones of the victims involved in this senseless tragedy,” Coroner Cyndi Dykes said in a release.
Children can express grief in a variety of ways, the district said in its statement, and the best way families can respond to a grieving child is to listen to them and reassure them that their feelings are valid.
“Our school community is deeply saddened and impacted by this tragedy as Mrs. Manville touched the lives of so many of our students and staff. Our hearts are with her family and everyone grieving this loss,” the district said.
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