A suspect linked to eight fatal shootings, including seven fatalities across two residences in Joliet, Illinois, has taken his own life after an encounter with U.S. marshals in Texas, over 1,200 miles from the crime scene.
The individual, identified as 23-year-old Romeo Nance, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound at around 8.30 p.m. (9.30 p.m. ET) near Natalia, a location outside San Antonio, as confirmed by police.
Nance was the prime suspect in the multiple shootings that took place in Joliet, located approximately 35 miles southwest of Chicago.
He was also believed to be involved in another shooting incident, according to authorities. However, the identities of the seven victims discovered at the Joliet homes were not disclosed by the police.
The investigation intensified on Monday when Will County Sheriff’s deputies, searching for Nance’s red Toyota Camry about Sunday’s shootings, including another fatal incident, visited his last known address but found no one.
Subsequently, they proceeded to a nearby house, knowing that residents of both addresses were connected, as stated by Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Dan Jungles.
The search for the suspect, who was deemed “armed and dangerous,” led to the discovery of two victims at the second house. Meanwhile, five additional victims were found at the first residence. NBC Chicago reported that these homes were located across the street from each other on West Acres Road.
Describing the shooting scenes, Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans remarked that in his 29 years of policing, these were the most horrific he had encountered.
The identification of the victims and the determination of the cause of death are expected to be conducted by the Will County Coroner’s Office. Joliet falls within the jurisdiction of Will County.
