Illinois mass murder suspect found dead after Oklahoma police chase
CATOOSA — A suspect in a mass murder in Illinois is now dead after a police chase nearly 700 miles away in Oklahoma.
A family of four — two adults and two children — and three dogs were found dead with gunshots wounds on Sunday evening at their home in Romeoville, Illinois, a small village about 30 miles southwest of Chicago.
Within hours of their discovery, Romeoville police believed Nathaniel Huey Jr., of Streamwood, Illinois, to be a suspect, along with a woman he had a relationship with, according to a news release. She was reported as a missing or endangered person Tuesday by her family.
Illinois mass murder suspect dies after Catoosa, Oklahoma, car crash
Wednesday morning, a digital license plate reader alerted the Catoosa Police Department to the suspect's vehicle, and a traffic stop was initiated. Catoosa is located about 10 miles northwest of Tulsa.
Catoosa police attempted a traffic stop before the car sped away, continued on to Interstate 44 and then "struck the concrete barrier and came to a stop," according to a statement by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Officers on the scene said they heard what sounded like two gunshots, and a male believed to be Huey was found dead in the driver's seat. The woman was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where she later died, OSBI and Catoosa police reported.
The fiery crash led to lanes of westbound Interstate 44, near Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, being temporarily shut down about 11:30 a.m., NBC affiliate KJRH reported.
"Although Huey is identified as a suspect, this is still an active and evolving investigation," Romeoville police said. "This portion of the incident is still unfolding. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and assistance. This does not conclude the investigation. The Romeoville Police Department is committed to meeting the same burden of proof required in any criminal case."
Police say Romeoville, Illinois, family killed in home
Police said they believe the incident occurred between 9 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday.
The bodies were discovered when the Romeoville Police Department responded to a request for a well-being check at the residence, authorities said in a statement.
"A member of the family did not show up for work at 6 am on the morning of Sunday, September 17 and did not respond to phone calls throughout the day, resulting in family members becoming concerned," the statement reads.
The deceased have been identified as Alberto Rolon and Zoraida Bartolomei and their two boys, age 7 and 9. Authorities have not released the children's names yet.
The coroner said the victims' official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy and toxicology findings.
Romeoville Police Deputy Chief Chris Burne said evidence has shown a link between the suspects and the victims, as well as a possible motive, but could not comment further as the case remains active and ongoing. He did say no other people are suspected of being involved in the family's killings.
The police also have requested that anyone with information contact the Romeoville Police Department at 815-886-7219.
Contributing: Saman Shafiq, Natalie Neysa Alund
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nathaniel Huey Jr., suspect in Illinois killings, dies in Oklahoma chase
