Joliet, Illinois – The search for a suspect involved in the fatal shooting of eight people in the Joliet area culminated in a tragic end as federal authorities located and engaged in a confrontation with the suspect in Texas. The suspect, identified as Romeo Nance, 23, took his own life with a handgun following the encounter with law enforcement officials.
Joliet police officials were alerted by agents with U.S. Marshals’ Office that Nance had been found near Natalia, Texas, located about 30 miles southwest of San Antonio. Prior to this, authorities had been on the hunt for Nance after the discovery of seven victims shot to death in Joliet and an eighth person killed in a separate shooting the day before in the township area.
The 2200 block of West Acres Road in Joliet was where police made the grim discovery, with Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans expressing belief that the victims were related. Describing the crime scene as the worst he had been associated with in his 29 years in law enforcement, Evans emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the absence of a clear motive for the slayings.
Authorities connected the West Acre Road killings to the deadly shooting of Toyosi Bakare, 28, a former resident of Nigeria, on Sunday in Joliet Township, and the shooting of a 42-year-old man in the 200 block of Davis Street in Joliet. Both incidents were noted to have occurred about 10 minutes apart on Sunday, with the Davis Street shooting resulting in non-fatal injuries.
Efforts to locate Nance involved collaboration between the Joliet Police Department, the Will County Sheriff’s Office, and an FBI fugitive task force. The community was urged not to attempt to take custody of Nance, but instead, to contact the police if any sightings or interactions occurred.
The aftermath of the tragic events left neighbors in shock and fear, with uncertainty looming over the apprehension of the suspect. Residents struggled to articulate their emotions, expressing feelings of apprehension and concern for their safety in the wake of the unfolding events.
Prior to the tragic incident, Nance had been arrested a year ago for a car chase during which he fired shots at another vehicle. The arrest was part of a larger sweep known as “Operation New Year’s Resolution” by the Joliet police. Nance was awaiting trial on charges related to the incident, with his next court date scheduled for February 1.
It is with heavy hearts that the community grapples with the aftermath of these senseless acts of violence, as they seek solace and reassurance amidst the trauma and uncertainty.