Illinois Family of 4, 3 Dogs Shot Dead; Gunman Still at Large
Police in a community near Chicago, Illinois, are investigating a tragic incident involving the shooting deaths of a family of four, including two children, in their home on Sunday night.
Authorities have stated that this was not a random event, CNN reports.
The victims, a couple and their two children, along with their three dogs, were discovered with gunshot wounds in their residence in Romeoville, Illinois, located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago.
Deputy Chief Chris Burne of the Romeoville Police Department announced during a press conference on Monday that they are treating this case as a murder investigation and do not believe it to be a murder-suicide.
As of Tuesday, they have confirmed that there is no need for the public to remain indoors.
Burne stated, "We were able to determine this was not a random incident, and there was no cause for a shelter-in-place order. This incident is the police department's top priority."
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Illinois Family Found Dead
The victims have been identified as 38-year-old Alberto Rolon and 32-year-old Zoraida Bartolomei, the adults.
The two children's names have not been released, but they were approximately 7 and 9 years old, according to neighbors.
It has been confirmed that no federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, ATF, or DEA, have been called in to assist with the investigation, indicating that there are no apparent links to drug cartel involvement, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Burne stated in a recorded video message on Tuesday that their detectives and crime-scene investigators have been working diligently and have gathered substantial physical evidence.
Still No Suspect for Illinois Family's Shooting Death
As of now, there are no known suspects, and more than 48 hours after the discovery of the bodies, the investigation is ongoing, per FOX 32.
The family's home remains under police surveillance, and many questions persist about the motive and the identity of the perpetrator.
Community members have expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy.
A neighbor, Samantha Allen, visited the scene to light a candle and voiced the hope that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. "They're sick, and they don't have a heart," she said.
Carol Love, another neighbor, remembered her last conversation with Bartolomei on Friday, where they discussed one of the children's plans to donate their hair for a children's cancer awareness campaign.
Love described the family as friendly and considerate neighbors who were mindful of their dogs not causing disturbances.
The two children attended Robert C. Hill Elementary School nearby, and school officials have informed families of the tragic news.
Crisis counselors are available at the school, and social services are being offered at the Romeoville Police Department for community members struggling to cope with this horrific event.
Meanwhile, Illinois police are urging neighbors to review their Ring doorbell footage for any information that may assist in the investigation.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: 2 adults, 2 children dead in Romeoville home - From CBS Chicago