On January 21, 2024, 31-year-old African American male Joshua Christopher Nicholas Nance was tragically killed in a mass shooting in Joliet, Illinois. He was among eight victims, seven of whom were members of the Nance and Esters families. The suspect, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, was Joshua's younger brother. The victims included their mother, Tameaka Nance ; sisters Alexandria Alonnah and Angelique ; aunt Christine Esters ; uncle William Esters II ; and a family acquaintance, Toyosi Bakare. The shootings occurred at two residences on West Acres Road, where multiple family members were found deceased from gunshot wounds.
Authorities launched a manhunt for Romeo Nance, who fled the state following the shootings. He was located the next day in Natalia, Texas, approximately 1,200 miles from Joliet. During a confrontation with law enforcement at a gas station, Romeo Nance died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators have not determined a clear motive for the killings. However, it was noted that Romeo had a history of violent behavior, including a prior arrest in January 2023 at one of the homes where the shootings later occurred.
In the aftermath, Romeo Nance's girlfriend, Kyleigh Cleveland-Singleton, was charged with obstruction of justice. Prosecutors allege she provided false information to authorities during the investigation, including denying knowledge of Romeo's phone number. She pleaded not guilty and remains under home confinement.
The community held a vigil to honor the victims, and a funeral service for the seven family members was conducted at Victory City Church in Joliet. The tragic event has left the community mourning the loss of multiple family members and seeking answers to the senseless violence.
