JOLIET, Ill. – Police in Joliet, Illinois, and Will County are investigating a series of attacks that resulted in eight fatalities and one injury over a two-day period, concluding in Texas where the suspect took his own life. The manhunt ended in Natalia, Texas, when the suspect, identified as Romeo Nance, 23, died by suicide during a confrontation with U.S. Marshals and law enforcement. Nance was linked to seven deaths in two homes in Joliet, as well as two other shootings in Will County that occurred on Sunday.
The incident left the authorities puzzled as they blocked off West Acres Road, where the gruesome crime took place. The police chief, Bill Evans, described it as the worst crime scene he had encountered in his 29-year career. Five individuals were found deceased in one Joliet home, while two others were discovered in a neighboring residence. Police revealed that all the deceased individuals were related to each other, and one of the homes was Nance’s last known address.
Will County deputies, observing Nance’s house, grew suspicious when he failed to return home after being linked to Sunday’s shooting incidents. Upon investigating the house, authorities found blood and the victims. The investigation also uncovered Nance’s prior criminal history, involving a previous case where he was charged for shooting at a woman.
Residents in the area expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic events, awaiting the release of the victims’ identities. They shared concerns about the safety of their neighborhood, reflecting on the impact of the violence on the community. The FBI’s involvement in the investigations was confirmed during a press conference held by the Joliet police. Additionally, court records revealed that Nance had been out on a $10,000 bond from a 2023 case where he was accused of shooting at a woman.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation into the heinous crimes that have shaken the Joliet and Will County communities. The police department is committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families affected by the tragic events.