Joliet, Texas – Federal authorities in Texas have located a suspect in the fatal shooting of eight people in the Joliet area. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Romeo Nance, reportedly took his own life with a handgun following a confrontation with law enforcement officials in Texas.
The search for Nance began after seven people were found shot to death in two separate homes on the 2200 block of West Acres Road in Joliet, with an eighth person killed in a shooting the day before in the township area. Joliet police Chief Bill Evans stated that the victims are believed to be related, making it one of the worst crime scenes he has encountered in his 29-year career as a policeman.
Authorities have also linked the West Acres Road killings to the deadly shooting of Toyosi Bakare, 28, and the shooting of a 42-year-old man in Joliet. Both shootings took place about 10 minutes apart on Sunday, with the Davis Street shooting being non-fatal.
The Joliet Police Department, in collaboration with the Will County Sheriff’s Office and an FBI fugitive task force, continues to work tirelessly to bring the person responsible for this heinous crime to justice.
As the investigation unfolds, neighbors in the West Acres Road area expressed their shock and fear at the ongoing situation. Rachel Carr, a resident, voiced her confusion and fear, unsure of what to do with the suspect still on the loose. Another neighbor, Amber Pajaeu, expressed her shock and apprehension, particularly for the children in the vicinity.
Prior to the recent shootings, Nance had been released on bond from the Will County Jail after being charged in an unrelated shooting case. He was also facing trial on charges of aggravated discharge of a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm, and aggravated assault in connection with a previous incident.
The community in Joliet remains on edge as they await developments in the case. The police continue to urge anyone who comes into contact with Nance to immediately alert the authorities and not attempt to take custody of him themselves.