Joliet mayor calls for donations to pay funeral costs for survivors of 7 relatives killed during shooting rampage

"Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy is promoting a fundraiser for survivors of seven relatives killed last week in a shooting spree that cast a "reign of terror" over the southwest suburban community. Authorities believe suspect gunman Romeo Nance shot seven of his relatives, including two teenage girls, to death in two homes Jan. 21 as well as an eighth, unrelated man."

"D'Arcy called their deaths "senseless" in a Wednesday news release and said the city of Joliet was grieving alongside the family's survivors, citing inquiries to his office about how to best support the family. He also appealed to residents to donate to help cover the funeral expenses, with a goal of raising $50,000. "Joliet residents have some of the biggest hearts in the region and now we can pull together to help one of our own," he said."

"The Will County coroner's office and police later identified the victims as Nance's mother, Tameka Nance, 47; his aunt Christine Esters, 38; his uncle William Esters II, 35; his brother Joshua Nance, 31; his sister Alexandria Nance, 20; as well his 16- and 14-year-old sisters, identified in the family's fundraiser as Alonnah and Angel Nance. At a vigil held for the family Saturday, relatives and friends described them as loving people involved in business ventures and extracurriculars."

A Jan. 21 shooting in Joliet killed seven relatives in two homes and an unrelated eighth man. Authorities say Romeo Nance shot seven relatives, including two teenage girls, and died by a self-inflicted gunshot during a Jan. 22 standoff in Texas. Nance's girlfriend faces an obstruction charge. Mayor Terry D'Arcy launched a fundraiser aiming to raise $50,000 for funeral expenses; the page had raised about $38,000 by Wednesday evening. Victims included Nance's mother Tameka, relatives Christine and William Esters, brother Joshua, sister Alexandria, and 16- and 14-year-old sisters Alonnah and Angel. A vigil described the family as loving and active in business and extracurricular activities.

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