“Romeo Nance Identified as Suspected Gunman in Joliet Massacre That Claimed Lives of Eight Family Members”

Joliet shooting victims identified as Romeo Nance’s family members:
1. Joliet shooting victims identified as Romeo Nance’s family
2. Joliet shooting victims identified as Nance’s family members.

Accident – death – Obituary News : Will County Officials Identify Suspected Gunman’s Family Members Among Eight killed in Joliet Shooting

In a tragic incident that has left the community of Joliet, Illinois, devastated, Will County officials have identified the relationship between suspected gunman Romeo Nance and the victims. Nance, who was responsible for the shooting that resulted in the deaths of eight people on Sunday, is now known to be related to all of the victims.

According to the Will County coroner’s office and police, the victims include Nance’s mother, Tameka Nance, 47; his aunt Christine Esters, 38; his uncle William Esters II, 35; his brother Joshua Nance, 31; his sister Alexandria Nance, 20; as well as his 16- and 14-year-old sisters, whose names have yet to be released.

The shocking development has left the authorities searching for a motive behind the massacre, which has been described as a “reign of terror.” During a news conference, officials revealed that after killing his family members, Nance went on to randomly shoot two other men. One of the victims, 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, originally from Nigeria, later succumbed to his injuries.

The second man, a 42-year-old, was shot in the leg but is expected to make a full recovery. Curtis Ellis, the man’s neighbor, shared that he has returned home from the hospital and is now using crutches while his leg heals.

Following the shooting spree, Nance fled the city and traveled to Texas, where he encountered a confrontation with U.S. Marshals at a gas station. Tragically, Nance died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Monday night. It remains unclear why he chose to travel to Texas.

The Joliet police chief, William Evans, expressed his shock and horror at the crime scene, stating, “I’ve been a policeman for 29 years, and this is probably the worst crime scene I’ve ever been associated with.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to uncover any possible motives for the tragedy. The community of Joliet mourns the loss of the victims and seeks solace during this difficult time.

President Joe Biden also offered his condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the urgent need for stronger gun control policies. In a statement, he said, “Jill and I are praying for the family members of the eight victims killed in Joliet, Illinois, and for the broader community devastated by these tragic shootings. This tragedy underscores why I am doing everything in my power to keep guns off our streets and out of the hands of those who seek to harm themselves or others.”

In this shocking turn of events, the community of Joliet grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. As the investigation unfolds, the hope for answers and justice remains strong. The loss of innocent lives serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

karmanini@chicagotribune.com.

1. Joliet shooting victims identified as Romeo Nance’s family members
2. Joliet shooting victims identified as Romeo Nance’s relatives.