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Neighbor speaks out after family found dead in Romeoville home
Romeoville police believe a family of four was shot and killed inside their house over the weekend by someone outside of their household.
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - A family of four was brutally killed in their Romeoville home over the weekend, and police have ruled out the possibility of it being a murder-suicide. Instead, officials believe two children and their parents were shot and killed by someone outside of their household.
As officials investigate, neighbors and loved ones anxiously await answers.
"It’s just sad, I’m just devastated this happened to a young family," said Lynn Phillips, neighbor.
Around 8:43 p.m., Romeoville police were called to the 500 block of Concord Avenue by a concerned relative for a well-being check.
"A member of the family did not show up for work at 6 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, September 17th and did not respond to phone calls throughout the day," said Deputy Chief Chris Burne, Romeoville Police Department.
Inside, officers made a gruesome discovery. They found two adults, two young boys and three dogs that had been fatally shot.
The deceased adults were identified as 38-year-old Alberto Rolon and 32-year-old Zoraida Bartolomei, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office. Police did not release the names or ages of their children.
"It is not a murder-suicide," said Burne.
While police ruled out murder-suicide, officials haven't confirmed whether or not anyone has been taken into custody; however, Romeoville police said there is no danger to the public.
Investigators believe the shooting took place between 9 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday.
"I never heard anything, if I did, I would have reported it," said Phillips.
Monday morning, police shut down the street for the investigation, removing several pieces of evidence from the home, including a computer server.
"The fact that nobody heard anything, and these houses are pretty close together, is very sinister," said one community member who did not want to be identified.
By Monday evening, detectives were back in the neighborhood to carry out additional interviews with residents. Meanwhile, neighbors were seen leaving flowers and candles in front of the family’s home.
Those who live nearby said the family had only lived on the block for a few months. Neighbors said they never noticed any issues at the home.
Records obtained by FOX 32 Chicago from the family's last place of residence in Westmont show just one police report filed in connection to a threat received on Facebook in April 2022. No other details were made available.
"This is devastating to me, I’ve been crying on and off all day," said Phillips.
Now, classrooms at the nearby Robert C. Hill Elementary School will be missing two students.
The Valley View School District is making counselors, social workers and psychologists available for students needing support.
"This violent incident and loss are sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community," said Valley View School District Supt. Rachel Kinder.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at (815) 886-7219.
Editor’s Note: Police initially reported that the adult male decedent’s name was Roberto, and later corrected it to Alberto.