Family of Four Found Shot Dead in Illinois Home, Police Say 'Not a Random Incident'
A quiet Illinois neighborhood is reeling after a family of four, including two children, were found shot dead in their Romeoville home, about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. Police have ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide and are treating the incident as a targeted murder.
The victims were identified as Alberto Rolon, 38, Zoraida Bartolomei, 32, and their two sons, ages 7 and 9. The family, along with their three dogs, were found with gunshot wounds during a well-being check conducted by the Romeoville Police Department. The check was initiated after a family member failed to show up for work and calls from relatives went unanswered.
Deputy Chief Chris Burne of the Romeoville Police Department stated in a news conference that the incident is the department's "top priority." He also assured the public that there was no need for a shelter-in-place order, as the shooting was "not a random incident."
The Will County Major Crimes Task Force has been enlisted to assist in the investigation, which is still in its early stages. "Our detectives and crime scene investigators have spent the last 36 hours collecting a tremendous amount of physical evidence," said Burne. The police are also seeking additional information from the community, including any available Ring doorbell footage.
The incident has left neighbors shocked and concerned. "It's very, very quiet. This stuff doesn't happen here. It's very unnerving. I'm pretty sure the whole neighborhood is shook up," said Dan Lugo, a neighbor.
The two children were students at R.C. Hill Elementary School. The district's superintendent, Rachel Kinder, referred to the incident as a "senseless act of gun violence" and announced that mental health and counseling resources would be made available to families.
Romeoville Mayor John D. Noak expressed his condolences, stating, "Our entire community is grieving with the family over this tragic incident." He has directed social services staff to assist the community in beginning the healing process.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence to erupt even in communities considered to be safe, raising questions about public safety and gun control.
