Man Suspected of Joliet Shooting Spree Found Dead in Texas: Unanswered Questions Remain
In a shocking turn of events, a man suspected of carrying out a shooting spree in the Joliet area has been found dead in Texas. Romeo Nance, 23, allegedly shot nine people, eight of whom lost their lives in the tragic incident. The motive behind Nance’s killing spree, the method used to choose his victims, and the reason for his travel to Texas all remain unanswered questions.
On Monday night, U.S. Marshals located Nance southwest of San Antonio, in Natalia, Texas. However, when confronted by the police at a gas station, Nance took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown assured the public that the suspect was neutralized and that there is no longer a threat to the community.
Nance’s death occurred nearly 1,200 miles away from where the murders took place, leaving investigators puzzled about the reasons behind his journey to Texas. The shooting spree unfolded over four separate crime scenes in the Joliet area, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
The first incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a man was shot and injured in the leg on Davis Street. Surveillance footage captured the moment when a red Toyota Camry pulled up next to the victim, exchanged a few words, and then drove away. However, moments later, the driver returned and opened fire, leaving the victim wounded and in shock.
Curtis Ellis, a neighbor of the 42-year-old victim, expressed his disbelief about the senseless act of violence. He mentioned that his own wife could have easily been in the same situation if she had been outside taking groceries out of their car.
Shortly after the Davis Street shooting, authorities received another distressing call. Deputies were dispatched to a home on Pheasant Run Lane, where they found a person with a gunshot wound to the head. Tragically, the victim, identified as 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, did not survive his injuries. Bakare, originally from Nigeria, had been residing in Will County for the past three years.
While law enforcement officers were able to identify Nance as the suspect and locate his vehicle from the Davis Street shooting, they were unable to apprehend him at the time. Eventually, after 12 hours of surveillance near Nance’s last known address, deputies discovered blood outside his residence. Concerned for the safety of those inside, they entered the home and made a horrifying discovery. Two people had been fatally shot, prompting them to contact the Joliet Police Department.
Further investigation led the authorities to another house nearby, where they found five more individuals dead. It was revealed that these victims were relatives of Nance. The names, genders, and ages of all the victims have yet to be released, leaving loved ones and the community in mourning.
Joliet Chief Bill Evans described the crime scene as the worst he has ever encountered during his 29-year career in law enforcement. The magnitude of the tragedy has deeply affected both the police department and the local community.
Police have confirmed that Bakare is not related to any of the victims found on Monday. However, they believe there is a connection between Bakare and Nance. It is suspected that Nance knew all of his victims, but authorities have not provided any additional details about his criminal history.
As investigations continue into this horrific incident, Joliet police are urging anyone with information to come forward. They are scheduled to provide an update on the case later today. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are conducting their own investigation into the events that unfolded near San Antonio.
The unanswered questions surrounding this shooting spree serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The tragedy has left a community shattered, seeking solace and closure in the midst of grief and confusion.
