Joliet Shooting Victims Identified; New Details Emerge After Suspect in 8 Will County Murders Dies in Texas

Joliet, Illinois

The identities of the victims of a horrific shooting spree that claimed the lives of eight people and injured another in the Joliet area have been released by authorities, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded on Monday. The prime suspect in the case, Romeo Nance, 23, took his own life during a confrontation with Texas police, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and shattered lives in his wake.

The Victims

Among the victims identified by Joliet officials were Christine Esters, 38; Tameka Nance, 47; William Esters, 35; Joshua Nance, 31; Alexandria Nance, 20; a 16-year-old girl; and a 14-year-old girl. The names of the two teenage victims have not been released due to their age.

The Shooting Spree

The shooting spree began on Sunday afternoon, April 21, 2024, when a 42-year-old man was shot in the leg in the 200-block of Davis Street in Joliet. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing a man getting supplies from his car when a red Toyota Camry pulled up. After a brief exchange of words, the driver of the Camry opened fire, striking the victim and speeding away.

Approximately 10 minutes later, Will County Deputy Sheriff Dan Jungles responded to a call at 5 Pheasant Run Lane, where he discovered a person with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

On Monday, Joliet police and the Will County Sheriff’s Office discovered the bodies of seven people in two separate homes. Two of the victims were found in a home on West Acres Road, while the remaining five were located in a second home inhabited by some of Nance’s relatives.

The Suspect and His Motives

Romeo Nance, the suspected shooter, was related to most of the victims he targeted, according to police. While the motive for the killings remains unclear, authorities believe the shootings at the two homes on Monday were related to domestic disputes. Nance had a criminal history, but the details of his past offenses were not disclosed.

The Pursuit and Confrontation in Texas

Following the discovery of the bodies in Joliet, a manhunt was launched for Nance. U.S. Marshals located him southwest of San Antonio, Texas, in Natalia, Texas, on Monday evening. Nance had stopped at a Texas mall and obtained Texas license plates to disguise his vehicle, attempting to evade capture.

During a confrontation with police at a gas station, Nance inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ending his life and bringing the manhunt to a tragic conclusion.

Aftermath and Investigation

The Joliet Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference on Tuesday to provide an update on the case, expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. They acknowledged the severity of the crime scene, describing it as the worst they had ever encountered.

The investigation into the shooting spree is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. The Texas Rangers are also conducting an investigation into the confrontation in Natalia, Texas, where Nance took his own life.

The community of Joliet is reeling from the senseless loss of life, and residents are seeking answers and support in the wake of the tragedy. The families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones, while law enforcement officials continue their work to uncover the truth behind the horrific crimes that shattered their lives.

Call to Action:

If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please reach out for help. There are resources available to support you during this difficult time. Visit Join to End Gun Violence to learn more.