Joliet, Illinois – A manhunt for 23-year-old Romeo Nance ended tragically when he was found dead in Texas on Monday, after a series of fatal shootings across four different locations in Joliet, approximately 50 km from Chicago. ABC 7 Chicago reported that US Marshals found Nance with a self-inflicted gunshot wound near Natalia, Texas.
Earlier on Sunday, Nance had been identified as a suspect in two separate shootings in Joliet, one of which resulted in the death of 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare. The search for Nance intensified after authorities found seven people dead in two different residences, one of which was Nance’s home. The other home was inhabited by relatives of the occupants of the first home.
According to CBS News, Nance had a history of violence and was out on bond for a 2023 shooting case at the time of the shootings. Police confirmed that he was previously arrested for aggravated discharge of a weapon involving a woman.
The incident in Joliet began on Sunday when a 42-year-old man was shot in the leg in the 200 block of Davis Street. The shooting was captured on video, showing Nance’s car pulling up and the subsequent exchange of words before Nance drove away. Just ten minutes later, deputies responded to a shooting at the Pheasant Run Apartment complex, where they found Toyosi Bakare with a fatal gunshot wound to his head.
Following these shootings, authorities set up surveillance in the area where Nance was last seen. However, when he did not return to his residence, law enforcement decided to make contact with the owner of the registered vehicle, leading to the discovery of the seven bodies in two different homes.
Police believe all seven victims knew Nance, but the connection between them remains unknown. The victims were all from the same family, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
In conclusion, the tragedy in Joliet is a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents. Additionally, this case highlights the challenges that law enforcement officers face in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in multiple violent crimes across different locations.