Joliet, Illinois – Authorities in Joliet, Illinois, are investigating a series of tragic events that left eight people dead and nine injured, with 23-year-old suspect Romeo Nance at the center of the investigation. The authorities have described Nance’s actions as a “reign of terror” that ended with his own death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police standoff in Natalia, Texas.
During a press conference on Tuesday, both Joliet police and Will County Sheriff’s officials provided updates on the investigation, revealing that Nance was allegedly involved in four separate shootings in Joliet on Sunday. The majority of the victims were related to Nance, with seven individuals losing their lives in two separate homes, followed by two additional male victims being shot at nearby locations.
The motive behind the killings remains unclear, with Dan Jungles, the chief deputy of criminal investigations at the Will County Sheriff’s Office, stating, “We may never know the truth or motives.” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans echoed this sentiment, mentioning the difficulty of understanding Nance’s actions.
The Will County Coroner’s Office released the names of the victims, which included 20-year-old Alexandria Nance, 38-year-old Christine Esters, 47-year-old Tamaeka Nance, 35-year-old William Esters II, and 31-year-old Joshua Nance, along with two teenage girls. During the investigation, officers identified and located Romeo Nance as the primary suspect after discovering the bodies of the victims in two separate homes in Joliet.
Authorities stated that Nance was believed to be driving a red Toyota Camry when he was located by U.S. Marshals in Natalia, Texas, leading to a confrontation that resulted in his death. The tragic events have left the community in shock, with Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans describing the crime scene as one of the worst he has ever witnessed in his 29-year career.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shootings that unfolded on that tragic Sunday in Joliet. The residents of Joliet and the surrounding areas are left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence perpetrated by Romeo Nance. More details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses, shedding light on the events that led to this devastating loss of life.