JOLIET, Ill. – Authorities have confirmed the death of a 23-year-old man who was suspected of killing eight people over two days in the suburban area of Chicago. The man, Romeo Nance, died from a self-inflicted wound in Texas, according to officials.
Nance allegedly shot seven people at two different houses in Joliet, Illinois, before randomly firing at two other men. The victims were all related to Nance, authorities said. The shootings claimed the lives of five women and three men, most of whom were related to the suspect.
Officials discovered fresh blood and what appeared to be gunshots in one of the houses associated with Nance. Inside, they found two people dead. Across the street, investigators found another man, as well as four women and girls aged 14, 16, 20, and 38, all deceased. The Joliet Police Chief, Bill Evans, confirmed that Nance was related to the occupants of both residences, although the exact nature of their relationship is still being determined.
Authorities in Texas confronted Nance on Monday night, leading to his self-inflicted death. The suspect was located near Natalia, Texas, and took his own life after being found by U.S. Marshals. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force discovered Nance at a gasoline station in Natalia. Before his death, Nance was considered “armed and dangerous” and was driving a red Toyota Camry.
The circumstances leading to the shootings remain unclear, and authorities continue to investigate. The Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Joliet Police Department are still gathering additional information and evidence to understand the possible motives behind the tragic killings.
The devastating events have left the community in shock and disbelief. The fluid and ever-changing nature of the investigation adds to the pain and confusion experienced by the families and loved ones of the victims. The impact of such senseless violence will be felt for a long time to come.
As authorities work to make sense of the tragedy, they are faced with the difficult task of providing closure and justice for the families affected by the killings. The community will undoubtedly come together to support one another during this incredibly challenging time.