- Investigators still determining motive behind shooting spree in Joliet, Illinois that left 8 dead and 1 injured.
- Suspected gunman, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, found dead by suicide in Texas.
- Nance had extensive criminal record, was out on bond for 2023 shooting case, motive for the slayings remains unknown.
Additional Coverage:
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind a shooting spree in Joliet, Illinois, that left eight people dead and one person injured. The suspected gunman, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was found dead by apparent suicide in Texas. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans stated that they have no clue as to why Nance carried out the shootings. The spree began at two homes across the street from each other, and the victims’ names have not yet been released. Nance was related to most, if not all, of the victims, but their exact relationships are still unknown.
The shooting spree then continued with Nance shooting a man in the leg on Davis Street in Joliet. Surveillance footage captured a red Toyota Camry associated with Nance passing by a man taking out groceries before making a U-turn and firing at the man. Ten minutes later, Nance shot and killed Toyosi Bakare at the Pheasant Run Apartments complex. Authorities searched for the red Toyota Camry and found blood at a relative’s house on West Acres Road. Deputies found a total of seven people dead in two homes on West Acres Road. A motive for the slayings is still unknown.
While investigating the murders, authorities discovered that Nance was likely heading to Texas and that he had switched license plates in an attempt to throw off investigators. He was located in Texas and fled from his vehicle when law enforcement officials arrived. Nance eventually took his own life as officers and federal agents pursued him. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans stated that Nance had an extensive criminal record and was out on bond for a 2023 shooting case. Authorities were also initially searching for a missing 3-year-old who was later found with family.