CRIME
Suspect In 8 Illinois Murders Shot Himself After Being Located In Texas
Joliet Police Department
A man suspected in eight fatal shootings in Illinois over two days is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being confronted by law enforcement officials in Texas, police said.
The Joliet Police Department said Romeo Nance, 23, shot himself with a handgun at around 8:30 p.m. Monday after he was located by U.S. Marshals near Natalia, outside San Antonio, and confronted by Texas law enforcement officials.
Joliet police and the Will county Sheriff’s Office were investigating multiple fatal shootings in the area southwest of Chicago on Jan. 21 and 22. Authorities named Nance as the suspect, and after he wasn’t found at his last known residence, began a search for his red Toyota Camry.
The first victim was found at an apartment complex on Pheasant Run Road on Sunday, according to the sheriff’s office. Another victim, who survived, was shot minutes before that shooting, and found by Joliet police.
Both agencies were investigating the seemingly random shootings when seven more victims were found dead at two neighboring homes on West Acres Road on Monday.
During a press conference Monday, Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said the crime scenes on West Acres Road were among the worst he’s ever seen.
“Ive been a policeman for 29 years,” Evans said, “and this probably the worst crime scene Ive been associated with.”
Evans said Nance does know the victims, most of whom have not yet been publicly identified. The first victim was identified Monday as Toyosi I. Bakare, a 28-year-old Nigerian immigrant.
The remaining victims’ identities and manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroners Office, police said.
TMX contributed to this article.
