A man suspected of committing a mass shooting in the Chicago suburb of Joliet, Illinois, has been found dead in Texas. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was allegedly responsible for the deaths of eight people at three different locations.
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The first known victim, 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, originally from Nigeria, was found shot dead on Sunday afternoon in Joliet Township.
Bakare, who had been living in the US for about three years, fell victim to a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities identified Nance as the suspect in this initial shooting.
As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement officials discovered a pattern of violence associated with Nance.
On Sunday, another shooting occurred where a 42-year-old man was shot in the leg, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities believe this incident was linked to Nance’s vehicle.
The situation escalated on Monday when the bodies of seven additional victims were found at two separate residences on West Acres Road in Joliet.
Five bodies were discovered in one house, and two more were found in another. The victims, who were family members, had all been shot dead.
Illinois, Joliet Police Chief William Evans, a veteran of 29 years in law enforcement, stating, “I’ve been a policeman 29 years and this is probably the worst crime scene I’ve ever been associated with.”
With Nance identified as the primary suspect, a manhunt was initiated by authorities, with the assistance of the FBI’s fugitive task force.
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The urgency of the situation led to a state of alert, as Nance was deemed armed and dangerous. The search focused on locating Nance, who was believed to be driving a red Toyota Camry with Illinois license plate number Q730412.
The investigative efforts of the Will County Sheriff’s Office revealed a connection between Nance and the victims.
Deputies staked out one of the houses on Acres Road, Nance’s last known address, in anticipation of his return.
When Nance failed to appear, deputies proceeded to approach the residences, leading to the discovery of the seven additional victims.
As the manhunt got crucial information emerged that Nance had been located by US Marshals near Natalia, Texas.
The face off between Nance and law enforcement officials in Texas took a turn when it is believed that Nance took his own life with a handgun.
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The Medina County Sheriff’s Office in Texas reported that the standoff occurred at a gas station, culminating in Nance’s self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities addressed that the identification of the victims and the determination of the manner of death would be handled by the Will County Coroner’s Office.
While the investigation continues, authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive behind Nance’s shooting rampage.
However, they have said that Nance knew the victims, suggesting a personal connection between the suspect and those dead.
The shootings on Sunday and Monday, authorities also suspect Nance’s involvement in another shooting in Joliet, Illinois that wounded a man on Sunday.
Teresa Smart, a resident living near the crime scenes, stated, “This is way too close to home. I keep looking out the window and double-checking my doors. It’s super scary.”
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