Tragic Mass Shooting in Joliet: Seven Lives Lost

Overview

On July 15, 2024, the tranquil city of Joliet, Illinois, was shattered by a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of seven individuals. Two separate homes on West Acres Road became the scenes of this tragic incident, leaving the community in a state of shock and mourning. Police are actively pursuing Romeo Nance, the alleged perpetrator, who is believed to have connections to the victims.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

At approximately 12:04 p.m., the Joliet Police Department received a distressing call from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, alerting them to the discovery of multiple deceased individuals in two houses on West Acres Road. Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers found a total of seven victims who had all succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds. The houses where the bodies were found were located across the street from each other, adding to the unsettling nature of the incident.

Identification of the Victims

Authorities have withheld the identities of the victims, citing the ongoing investigation. However, they have confirmed that all seven individuals were known to each other and are believed to be related. This revelation suggests a possible connection between the victims and the alleged perpetrator, Romeo Nance.

Suspect Identification and Description

Police have identified Romeo Nance as the primary suspect in this tragic incident. Nance is a 23-year-old male, standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He is believed to be operating a red Toyota Camry with Illinois license plate Q730412. Nance’s last known address was on the same block of West Acres Road where the shootings occurred, further solidifying the potential link between him and the victims.

Prior Criminal History

Nance’s criminal record reveals a previous arrest for aggravated discharge of a weapon involving a woman. Court records indicate that he was out on bond in connection with this 2023 shooting case and was awaiting trial at the time of the current incident. This prior involvement with law enforcement raises concerns about Nance’s propensity for violence and the potential escalation of his actions.

Possible Connection to Sunday’s Shooting

Authorities are investigating a possible link between the mass shooting on Monday and a fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday in Joliet. The Will County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 28-year-old Nigerian man, Toyosi I. Bakare, was shot and killed in the Pheasant Run Apartments. Additionally, a 42-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a separate shooting on Davis Street. Both incidents involved the same red Toyota Camry with the same license plate associated with Romeo Nance.

Surveillance and Discovery of the Bodies

Will County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Dan Jungles explained that detectives had been investigating the Sunday shooting and had set up a surveillance area on Acres Road, where the registered owner of the car lived. When deputies approached the house and knocked on the door, they received no response. Knowing that the people living across the street were related to those in the first house, they proceeded to investigate further. Upon entering the house across the street, deputies discovered blood and subsequently found five deceased individuals inside. Two more bodies were found in the other house, bringing the total number of victims to seven.

Community Response and Emotional Impact

The mass shooting has left the Joliet community reeling from the sudden and senseless loss of life. Distraught neighbors expressed their fear and concern, particularly due to the proximity of the crime scene to a nearby park and school. The incident has highlighted the importance of community safety and the need for increased vigilance in preventing future tragedies.

Ongoing Investigation and Call for Caution

Police officials urge the public to remain cautious and avoid approaching Romeo Nance if they encounter him. He is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him should immediately contact the police. The investigation into the mass shooting and the possible connection to Sunday’s incidents is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to gather evidence and bring justice to the victims and their families.