In a grim unfolding of events in Joliet, Illinois, a manhunt is intensively underway for Romeo Nance, a 23-year-old suspect following a series of fatal shootings that claimed eight lives. The alarming spree occurred at three locations, igniting a high-alert search for the armed individual considered dangerous by authorities.
The victims, discovered on Sunday and Monday at separate locales within the Chicago suburbs, were all known to Nance, according to officials. The Joliet Police and Will County Sheriff’s Office noted that one victim was found in Will County on Sunday, while the others were found across two homes in Joliet’s 2200 block of West Acres Road the subsequent day. Among the deceased is Toyosi Bakare, a 28-year-old man of Nigerian origin residing in the U.S. for three years.
Joliet Police Chief William Evans, deeply affected by the tragedy, stated, “I’ve been a policeman 29 years and this is probably the worst crime scene I’ve ever been associated with.” The scale and brutality of the incidents have profoundly shaken the local law enforcement community.
The manhunt for Nance, described as 6-foot-2 and weighing 160 pounds, is being aided by the FBI’s fugitive task force. He is believed to be driving a red Toyota Camry, with license plate number Q730412, a vehicle that was also identified at two separate shooting incidents on Sunday. These prior shootings involved a non-fatal injury and the killing of Bakare.
Reflecting on Nance’s history with the law, records show he had been charged about a year ago for multiple firearm-related offenses, including aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated assault. Despite prosecutors’ opposition to a bond reduction, Nance was released on bond and has been awaiting trial.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has been left reeling, with neighbors expressing their shock and fear given the proximity and seemingly random nature of the crimes. “It’s frightening that this is so close to home. I literally live like probably four houses down, and I have a young daughter, and it’s crazy,” a local resident, Laura Bane, remarked on the situation.
As the search continues, police have warned the public to consider Nance armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to immediately contact the police. Dwayne English, spokesperson for Joliet police, underscored the department’s commitment, saying, “We will do everything in our power here at the Joliet Police Department to bring the person responsible for this to justice.” The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the killings remains unknown.
Relevant articles:
– Manhunt underway after 8 people killed in Illinois: police
– Manhunt after 8 people are shot dead at 3 locations in Joliet, Illinois, CBS News, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:23:00 GMT
– Manhunt for armed suspect underway in Joliet after 8 found dead, Chicago Tribune, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:00:00 GMT
– Manhunt on in Joliet, Illinois, as 7 people found dead in 2 locations: Police, ABC News, Tue, 23 Jan 2024 01:23:02 GMT