UPDATE: Memorial Hospital nurse among those shot and killed in suburban Chicago store

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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5 women shot and killed at Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Ill. including Jennifer Bishop

Greg Zanis, of Sugar Grove, Ill., puts up five crosses and leaves flowers in front of the Lane Bryant store at the Brookside shopping center in Tinley Park, Ill., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. A gunman fatally shot five people at a store in a suburban Chicago strip mall and fled Saturday, prompting police to sweep through neighboring shops looking for the suspect as terrified customers looked on. (AP Photo/Jerry Lai)

By WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND -- Shock and disbelief hit hard for friends and family after word that one of the five victims murdered in a suburban Chicago clothing store Saturday is from South Bend. Police identified her Sunday as 34-year-old Jennifer Bishop.

It's been just over 36 hours since that gunman opened fire, killing five women inside the Lane Bryant Clothing Store in Tinley Park, Ill. -- about 30 miles south of Chicago.

Police identified the victims Sunday afternoon.

They are:

-Connie R. Woolfolk, 37, of Flossmoor, Ill.
-Sarah T. Szafranski, 22, of Oak Forest, Ill.
-Carrie A Chiuso, 33, of Frankfort, Ill.
-Rhoda McFarland, 42, of Joliet, Ill.
-Jennifer L. Bishop, 34, of South Bend

Bishop worked as an intensive care nurse at Memorial Hospital for more than 10 years, and the news of her death hit friends and co-workers there very hard. The hardest part, say those closest to Bishop, is that there are still very few answers to the questions surrounding exactly what happened.

Investigators did release some additional information during a press conference outside the mall late Sunday afternoon, but wouldn't go into any detail. They are still describing the shootings as a "robbery attempt gone bad," but have now confirmed that all 5 women -- including Bishop -- died from gunshot wounds at the scene.

Several Chicago newspapers were also reporting late Sunday afternoon that a sixth woman was also shot. She survived, according to the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, and is being treated at a south suburban hospital, where both newspapers cite sources who say she is expected to survive.

Police have not confirmed that yet, or released any new information on the suspect, evidence or what they have learned from witnesses, citing the ongoing investigation into what happened.

That news has made it even harder for Bishop's friends and family to understand why her death happened. So they are focusing on her life instead.

"She was an amazing person," said Memorial Hospital Nurse Wyndy Berndsen, who worked with Bishop in Memorial's Intensive Care Unit for more than 10 years. "She was an exceptional nurse. She has three children, and she was an amazing mother, and a very supportive and loving wife."

"Her three kids lost their mom," added ICU nurse Sarah Paturalski, who has been close friends with Bishop for about three years. "She had a little girl who's going to be a teenager. And all little girls need their mom. He took that from them," she trailed off, fighting back tears.

Memorial spokeswoman Ruth Linster says staff throughout the hospital are "absolutely devastated." She says Memorial is looking into providing grief counselors for those employees, but as of Sunday evening, they had not been brought in.

Cook County, Ill. Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect in this case. Lane Bryant has also posted a reward of $50,000 for information that leads to the conviction of that suspect.

If you have anything that could help police capture that suspect, call the Tinley Park Police Department at 708-444-5394 or Cook County Crimestoppers at 800-535-7867.

Wednesday, Feb 6 at 6:09 PM Mother of 2 - Mishawaka wrote ...

It saddens me to know their are children without their mother or husbands without their wives. God only knows when the authorities catch the SOB who did this...they will pay somehow. I did not know any of the victims, but I get tired of hearing about of these senseless crimes. Our laws need to be more strict on certain crimes. Like I said...when caught someone will pay....my prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones. God Bless.

Wednesday, Feb 6 at 5:58 PM Mr. O. wrote ...

when this person who did this stands before god, and god opens the book of life and is asked why he commited such a crime on these ladies, he will be judged accordingly to eternal damnation....

Tuesday, Feb 5 at 11:40 PM Becky Barnes (Locke)Joliet IL wrote ...

I graduated with Jenny in 1990 @ Joliet West. she lit up the halls with her smile. Always had a friendly hello to give!!! So sweet! I also am an icu nurse with 3 kids and my heart goes out to her family. To think we save lives for a living and hers was taken too soon! May God Bless Her and Her Family! Becky Barnes

Tuesday, Feb 5 at 3:54 PM Denise, Mishawaka, Indiana wrote ...

I didn't know Jennifer but was so saddened by the news of this awful tragedy and of course wondering why this could have happened. Only God knows what and when things will happen to us on this earth but that doesn't bring much comfort when something like this happens but we must have faith that she is in a better place now so RIP Jennifer and one day you will be reunited with your family and friends in heaven. May you smile from above and be an angel in heaven. She will be missed by so many.

Tuesday, Feb 5 at 5:04 AM Han wrote ...

The Father drags a stick through the water and the little whirlpools that appear in and around the wake are people and things - we fade in and then fade out and we don't know under what circumstances. All we can do is continue doing the right thing and sit serenely in the middle of the Father's big project, like a kid watching a parent work in the garage, unable to see the whole picture, but trusting, because we're so much like the Father, that those we knew are still in his hands.

Monday, Feb 4 at 8:22 PM momofharley wrote ...

Jeni was one of may healthcare professionals who helped sustain my son's life after an accident in Aug 2007. She was a wonderful RN, very personable, informative, compassionate and positive. She not only cared for my son; but, his family as well. Her smile and positive attitude were beautiful. Also; our deepest heartfelt condolences to her family & co-workers. May GOD bless you all. Jeni may you rest in peace.

Monday, Feb 4 at 6:25 PM Andrea wrote ...

What a horrible tragedy! My heart goes out to Jen's husband, children, other family members, & friends. They say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Although I did not know her, I can tell from her picture, she was a kind, compassionate person, whom, I'm sure, all who knew her, loved her. My heart, also, goes out to the other victims of this senseless crime.

Monday, Feb 4 at 6:23 PM lauretta wrote ...

My prayers go out to those who lost their wive's and mother's

Monday, Feb 4 at 4:36 PM Kari, RN wrote ...

All my prayers are with Jen's family. Jenny... I miss and love you. You are a beautiful person. Nobody deserves this pain. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Monday, Feb 4 at 4:30 PM missygurl wrote ...

why? is all I can think..poor women..what makes people snap and act violent like this. these people were here buying new cloths with the money they earned from their "job", or were working their at their "job"...lazy criminal wanting the money other people earn when they could get a job and get up and work like everyone else

Monday, Feb 4 at 3:07 PM James Hicks wrote ...

I just want to send my condolences to the families of the people that were killed in the shooting....

Monday, Feb 4 at 1:04 PM Lady in Mishawaka wrote ...

I did not know this wonderful lady, but my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends today. What a senseless act of violence! We live in a very scary world. I will be especially praying for her 3 babies that she left behind. Godspeed Jenni!

Monday, Feb 4 at 12:25 PM Sarah wrote ...

Jeni, thank you for being a wonderful friend and role model. I miss you and love you.

Monday, Feb 4 at 10:31 AM rach wrote ...

ny heart and prayers goes out to the family, may god be with you at this devastating time....

Monday, Feb 4 at 10:08 AM Han wrote ...

The world is not getting sicker my the minute. With the possible exception of Detroit, it's been getting better since ancient Babylon. Why it takes people thousands of years to work out a Constitution republic and inalienable rights, I don't know. Just none too bright, I guess.

Monday, Feb 4 at 9:39 AM Pat wrote ...

My condolences to the family of Jennifer bishop, and especially to her children. From all accounts she was a great nurse, and person.

Monday, Feb 4 at 7:21 AM Bob wrote ...

I sincerely hope that when the shooter is found the police shoot him on the spot!!

Monday, Feb 4 at 6:28 AM In God We Trust wrote ...

Trust In The Lord when all else fails he will see you through

Monday, Feb 4 at 4:17 AM Michele wrote ...

I love you and I miss you.

Monday, Feb 4 at 1:09 AM Lori Hensley RN wrote ...

I travelled around working with organ recoveries. Jen was very compassionate with the families, and always great at every aspect of nursing. Most of all, I felt like we were friends, and I could see that all the staff at Memorial liked her and looked to her for advice. During slow times we talked about her kids and I am blessed for having crossed paths with her. To her hasband and kids, integrate mom in your everyday events. For nurses at MH, tell the kids how special Jenn was. I am so sorry.

Monday, Feb 4 at 12:38 AM Regina wrote ...

May the peace, love and joy each of you shared on this plane be of comfort to all who remain in your absence.

Monday, Feb 4 at 12:14 AM South Bend Resident wrote ...

My prayers are with all of the bereaved families of these women. I am praying that justice and peace will come soon. This is a horrible thing to have happened.

Monday, Feb 4 at 12:03 AM jim wrote ...

this is so sad, my sympathies to all the families of the victims, seems to be trend now of robbers shooting down everyone, and the chicago political elite prohibit people from being able to protect themselves, they should be sued for creating these type of circimstances of victims being unable to protect themselves from criminals

Sunday, Feb 3 at 9:22 PM greetingbiz.com wrote ...

My prayer go out to all the families ..My the victims rest in peace

Sunday, Feb 3 at 8:33 PM Michelle wrote ...

God Bless the families of all the victims. Such a tragedy. May they rest in peace

Sunday, Feb 3 at 8:21 PM Shaira, Shayna & Sherri Shelton wrote ...

Brian, Our sincere & heartfelt sympathy be with you, the children, your family and Jen's family. Her beauty will always remain here on earth through the eyes of the children.

Sunday, Feb 3 at 7:58 PM shilo wrote ...

i was a patient of hers a year ago and it saddens me that this happened to her and her family i was in for kidney stone surgeries and she was so nice and very great at her job and even tho im afraid pof hospitals and surgeries she really made me feel at ease her family will be i nmy families prayers

Sunday, Feb 3 at 7:43 PM Diva2003 wrote ...

This world gets sicker by the minute!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the young women who's lives were lost and their familes!

Sunday, Feb 3 at 7:23 PM Jeni's Friend wrote ...

Rest in Peace my friend. Look down from above and watch over those three little ones. You didn't deserve to die like that. I am so sorry.

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