Investigation Uncovers New Details in Romeoville Family Slayings

The tragic slayings of a Romeoville family in September have left many questions unanswered, but police have now revealed that a woman previously deemed a person of interest may have played a bigger role in the killings.

On September 17, officers responded to a well-being check at a home in the 500 block of Concord Avenue, where they discovered four people and three dogs shot dead. The victims were identified as Alberto Rolon and Zoraida Bartolomei, as well as two children aged 7 and 9.

The case took a turn when the suspect in the Chicago-area murders, Nathaniel Huey Jr., was found shot dead following a police pursuit and fiery crash in Catoosa, Oklahoma, the day after the killings. Ermalinda Palomo, Huey Jr.’s girlfriend, was also found shot and later died at an area hospital.

The investigation has now revealed that Bartolomei had a relationship with Huey Jr., and that Palomo had prior knowledge of Huey Jr.’s intent to commit the murders. Digital evidence showed the vehicle used in the crime traveled from Palomo’s home in Streamwood, Illinois, to the Bartolomei’s Romeoville home at the time the murders took place, and Huey Jr. was seen exiting and re-entering the vehicle from the passenger side while Palomo was the driver.

Police have stated that there is no evidence of additional suspects in this tragic incident, and that additional forensic evidence is pending analysis.

An attorney for the family of Palomo had originally said they believed she was kidnapped and had nothing to do with the murders, saying that she was home sleeping at the time of the murders. In a statement following the latest development in the case, the attorney said the family “wants to extend their extreme condolences to the Rolon/Bartolomei family and loved ones.”

The family had no previous knowledge of the information being disclosed and will continue to work with law enforcement to find the answers to help solve and close the investigation.

The Romeoville killings have been a tragic reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. As we approach the holiday season, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and with everyone affected by this tragedy.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further information will be released when the investigation is complete.