Police: Joliet shooter killed his mother and 6 other family members
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As a community tried to heal from a mass killing in their town, CBS 2 learned more about the Joliet family who died after police said a relative killed them in their own homes over the weekend.
A small memorial stood outside an empty home for a family of athletes: runners, wrestlers, and coaches.
That is how one coach and friend described the Nance family, who were senselessly killed by one of their relatives, Romeo Nance.
One of the seven family members who died was the shooter's mother, Tameka Nance. A photo of his 31-year-old brother, Joshua Nance, had been placed at a small memorial outside the home.
Three sisters, 20-year-old Alexandria Nance, 16-year-old Alonnah Nance, and 14-year-old Angel Nance, were also killed, along with the shooter's aunt and uncle, Christine Esters and William Esters II.
Christine Eskers worked at the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Joliet Treatment Center.
The eldest sister, Alexandria, attended Joliet West High School, where she ran track and field and graduated in the class of 2022. Her sister Alonnah was a junior.
Alexandria competed in seven events with Rush Athletics USA - Team Illinois track club.
Her coach told CBS 2 that the entire family contributed to the organization's success and was involved with the team for four years before Alexandria and Alonnah also picked up wrestling.
Joliet West said in a statement: "Our hearts are aching for Alonnah, Alexandria, their family, and all of our students and staff who are experiencing such a deep loss and sorrow."
Joliet Junior College, where Alexandria was a student, echoed that sadness.
A statement said in part: "The painful and lasting effects of this tragedy on Alexandria's family, friends, and others close to her are undoubtedly immense."
About 10 minutes away, neighbors grieved the loss of 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, who was originally from Nigeria.
"We just heard the gunshots. And we ran home because we didn't know what was going on," said neighbor Michael Mackins.
That shooting and the ninth victim who survived are both believed to be random victims of the shooter's rampage.
"I hope that his family can heal from the tragic events," Mackins said.
