Joliet Police Investigate Reign of Terror: Man Kills 8, Including Teenage Girls, in Southwest Suburban Community
A small community in southwest suburban Joliet was struck by a horrifying tragedy this past weekend. The Joliet police are currently investigating what they are calling a “reign of terror,” where one man is believed to have killed eight people, including two teenage girls and multiple relatives. The suspect, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was pursued by U.S. Marshals and ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot in Texas.
The motive behind the killings remains unclear, leaving many questions unanswered. However, law enforcement officials have established that Nance shot and killed seven of his relatives before randomly targeting and killing another man. Additionally, one person was injured in the shooting spree.
The victims have been identified as Christine Esters (38), Tameka Nance (47), William Esters II (35), Joshua Nance (31), Alexandria Nance (20), and two unidentified teenage girls aged 16 and 14. Will County Coroner Laurie Summers has confirmed that all the deaths were homicides, pending further autopsy results.
Authorities believe that Nance was related to the seven victims, although the exact nature of their relationship is still unknown. The investigation has revealed that after killing his relatives, Nance proceeded to shoot two other men at random, resulting in the death of one of them.
The first shooting occurred at the Pheasant Run Apartments, where a 28-year-old man named Toyosi Bakare was fatally shot. Bakare, originally from Nigeria, was found on the ground bleeding from the head. The second shooting took place on Davis Street, where a 42-year-old man was shot in the leg but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Residents in the area have expressed their shock and fear following the tragic events. Curtis Ellis, a neighbor who witnessed one of the shootings, recalled hearing the gunshots and seeing his injured neighbor seeking help. Ellis emphasized the randomness of the violence, stating that it was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Law enforcement officials were able to identify Nance as the suspect through surveillance footage captured by a camera at Ellis’ house. The footage revealed that Nance was driving a red Toyota Camry, which eventually led authorities to him.
The search for Nance came to an end when he took his own life during a confrontation with law enforcement at a gas station in Natalia, Texas. Prior to his death, Nance had been spotted traveling on Interstate 35 and had even stolen Texas license plates. The exact reason for his journey to Texas remains unclear.
As the investigation continues, details about Nance’s criminal history have emerged. In January 2023, he was charged with several offenses, including aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm, following a road rage incident in Joliet.
The tragic events in Joliet have left the community in shock and mourning. Residents who once saw their neighborhood as safe and quiet now find themselves grappling with fear and uncertainty. The impact of this “reign of terror” will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
It is crucial for communities to come together during times like these and support one another. Tragedies like the one in Joliet serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering strong relationships within neighborhoods and being vigilant about any signs of distress or violence. By creating an environment where individuals feel safe and supported, we can work towards preventing such devastating incidents in the future.
As investigations continue into the motives behind this horrifying event, it is essential for law enforcement agencies and communities across the United States to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential threats. By prioritizing mental health resources, promoting community engagement, and strengthening gun control measures, we can take steps towards preventing similar tragedies and ensuring the safety of our communities.