Suspected Killer of 8 in Suburban Chicago Ends His Own Life in Texas, Police Report
The man suspected of a shooting spree that claimed the lives of eight people in suburban Chicago was found dead, having taken his own life after a standoff with law enforcement officials in Natalia, Texas.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was located by US Marshals around 8:30 p.m. Central time on Monday, according to a statement released by the Joliet Police Department in Illinois.
Manhunt Ends in Tragedy
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office in Texas reported receiving a call about the suspected Chicago killer heading into their county on Interstate 35.
A standoff ensued at a gas station, where Nance, confronted by police from multiple agencies, fatally shot himself, as detailed in a statement by the sheriff’s office on Facebook.
The incident unfolded after Nance was suspected of fatally shooting eight people at three different locations in the Chicago suburbs.
The victims were discovered at residences in Will County and Joliet on Sunday and Monday. The FBI’s fugitive task force had been aiding local police in the search for Nance, who was considered “armed and dangerous.”
Authorities in Will County and Joliet were at a loss regarding the motive behind the killings, but they confirmed that Nance was acquainted with the victims. Joliet Police Chief William Evans described the crime scene as one of the worst in his 29-year career during a news conference.
Will County Chief Deputy Dan Jungles revealed that deputies had been monitoring one of the houses since Sunday evening in anticipation of Nance’s return.
When no one appeared, deputies approached the residences, leading to the grim discovery of the victims. Autopsies are pending to determine the duration of the victims’ demise.
Nance Suspected in Chicago Suburb Shooting, 8 Fatally Shot in 3 Locations
The Monday evening news conference also disclosed that the victims found in the Joliet homes were family members. When asked if they were related to the suspect, Jungles refrained from commenting, stating only that Nance was familiar with them.
Local residents were left in shock and fear, with Teresa Smart, who lived a block away from the crime scene, expressing her anxiety.
“This is way too close to home,” she said, describing a neighborhood filled with police cars and blocked streets. The community remains on edge as they grapple with the aftermath of this horrifying event.
Earlier on Monday, the Will County Sheriff’s Office had shared images of Nance’s vehicle, a red Toyota Camry, which had been seen at the scenes of two separate shootings on Sunday afternoon. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that has left a community in mourning.
