Woman shot at Nordstrom dies

(Left) Ground floor of The Shops at North Bridge, a Michigan Avenue retail center anchored by fashion retailer Nordstrom. (Click on image to view larger version.)

29-Nov-14 – A 22-year-old law student, shot while working over the holidays at Nordstrom in River North, has died, her family confirmed on Saturday afternoon.

Nadia Ezaldein was originally from Florida. She attended the University of Chicago, although she was not currently enrolled for the fall semester. Her 22nd birthday was on Friday.

The man who shot her on Friday night was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office as Marcus Dee, age 31.

The woman’s sister told the Chicago Sun-Times that Dee had physically and mentally abused the victim during a 17-month relationship and had also harassed the sister. In April, both Dee and the sister filed petitions seeking restraining orders against each other. Both petitions were denied.

At about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Chicago Police say Dee walked into the East Grand Avenue entrance of The Shops at North Bridge. He went to a counter on the second floor of Nordstrom, spoke with Ezaldein, and shot her in the back of the head as she walked away. He then shot himself.

Dee was dead at the scene. Ezaldein was taken in critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The store was full of shoppers at the time. Witnesses heard two gunshots. People shouted and ran for exits, leaving behind their coats and bags. Some hid in a storage room until police arrived.

Nordstrom was closed on Saturday but a spokesperson says they will be open during regular hours on Sunday.

In a statement released on Saturday, a Nordstrom spokesperson said, “We are deeply saddened to learn that our employee who was injured in Friday evening’s tragedy passed away this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. We will miss her.”

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