Title: Family Denies Involvement as Prime Suspect and Woman Linked to Romeoville Murders Die in Police Chase
Romeoville, Ill. – The family of a woman who was accompanying the prime suspect in the murder of a Romeoville family has vehemently denied her involvement in the horrific incident as they grapple with their own shock and grief.
The Romeoville Police Department stated that they believe 31-year-old Nathaniel Huey Jr. is responsible for the deaths of Alberto Rolon, Zoraida Bartolomei, their two young sons, and the family’s three dogs over the weekend.
On Wednesday, authorities reported that Huey Jr. and a woman, identified as Ermalinda Palomo by a family attorney, were spotted in Catoosa, Oklahoma, just outside Tulsa.
During an attempted traffic stop, the vehicle attempted to flee, resulting in a high-speed chase. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed and caught fire. Police officers heard two gunshots and upon reaching the scene, discovered Huey Jr. dead from a gunshot wound in the driver’s seat. Palomo, shot in the head, was rushed to a local hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
While Romeoville police have not yet released the motive behind the murder of the family of four, they state that they are aware of the reasons.
Neighbors have revealed that Palomo and Huey lived together in Streamwood and had been in a serious relationship for the past six years, even engaged to be married.
According to attorney John Paul Ivec, who represents Palomo’s family, her loved ones became concerned when she left with Huey on Tuesday night. She had sent messages to several family members, expressing her love and requesting them to take care of her grandchildren. “She seemed upset,” Ivec said.
Ivec further clarified that Palomo had five children and grandchildren of her own, none of whom were fathered by Huey. He also stated that her family is unaware of any connection between Palomo and the family in Romeoville. “We know without a shadow of a doubt she was home sleeping,” Ivec asserted, pointing out that multiple family members confirmed her alibi.
Authorities have iterated that there is no reason to believe that there are other suspects involved in the Romeoville murders.
Addressing concerns regarding the motive, the Romeoville Police Department stated that the killings were not a random act and that there is a clear connection between the suspect and the victims. However, no updates on the investigation have been provided as of Thursday.
As the Romeoville community grapples with this tragic incident, the police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward, emphasizing the importance of obtaining justice for the Rolon and Bartolomei family.