A suspect who allegedly shot and killed eight individuals over a two-day period near Chicago is believed to have committed suicide Monday night after being confronted by law enforcement officials in Texas.
A statement released Monday by the Joliet Police Department of Illinois identified 23-year-old Romeo Nance as the suspect linked to the murder of eight individuals.
The Joliet Police Department stated, “At approximately 8:30 PM this evening, the Joliet Police Department learned that Nance had been located by US Marshals near Natalia, Texas, at which time it is believed that Nance took his own life with a handgun following a confrontation with Texas law enforcement officials.”
According to NBC News, Will County Sheriff deputies discovered two victims on Monday while looking for the suspect’s red Toyota Camry that was linked to two shooting incidents on Sunday, including one fatal shooting. After arriving at Nance’s last known place of residence and receiving no answer, the deputies discovered two victims in the house next to Nance’s residence. The deputies later found five other victims in the first house.
Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans explained that the two crime scenes were the most disturbing scenes he had witnessed as a law enforcement officer. “I’ve been a policeman for 29 years,” he said, “and this probably the worst crime scene I’ve been associated with.”
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In Monday’s statement on social media, the Joliet Police Department noted that detectives were quickly able to identify Nance as the suspect in the multiple homicides located on West Acres Road. The Joliet Police Department added that Nance was also “involved in a fatal shooting” under investigation by the Will County Sheriff’s Office and an additional non-fatal shooting incident in Joliet, both of which occurred on January 21.
“Identification of the victims and manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroner’s Office,” the Joliet Police Department stated. “This remains an active investigation. Further information will be provided once it becomes available.”
According to The New York Post, law enforcement has not yet revealed how Nance was able to travel from Illinois to Texas during the manhunt conducted by local police officers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The New York Post also reported that police have indicated that Nance knew his victims; however, a motive for the shooting incidents has not yet been announced.
