Joliet, Illinois – Authorities have reported a tragic incident involving the discovery of seven deceased individuals with gunshot wounds in two homes on West Acres Road. The suspect, identified as Romeo Nance, 23, was being sought by law enforcement officials after the gruesome discovery on Monday morning.
Late Monday night, it was confirmed that Nance had been located by U.S. Marshals near Natalia, Texas. Tragically, it was believed that Nance had taken his own life with a handgun following a confrontation with Texas law enforcement officials.
The victims, who are related to Nance, were discovered in one home and a nearby residence after officers had been monitoring the area as part of an investigation into two shootings that took place the day before. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans expressed the severity of the situation, stating that it was “probably the worst crime scene” he has ever encountered in his 29 years of service.
Investigators revealed that Nance’s last known address was on the same block where the horrific crimes were discovered. Furthermore, the red Toyota Camry associated with Nance was also linked to the prior day’s shootings in Joliet.
The Sheriff’s office indicated that Nance was suspected to be involved in a fatal shooting being investigated by the Will County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a non-fatal shooting in Joliet that occurred on January 21, 2024. Authorities have not determined a motive for the crimes but believe that the Sunday shootings are somehow connected to the tragic discovery on Monday.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working diligently to uncover the full scope of this grim and deeply disturbing series of events.