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ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — The family of a woman who was with the prime suspect in the murder of a Romeoville family are denying her involvement in the incident as they process their own shock and grief.
Romeoville police said they believe 31-year-old Nathaniel Huey Jr. killed Alberto Rolon, Zoraida Bartolomei, their two young sons and the family’s three dogs in their home over the weekend.
Wednesday, Romeoville police said Huey Jr. and a woman, who a family attorney identified as Ermalinda Palomo, had been spotted in Catoosa, Oklahoma, outside Tulsa.
During an attempted traffic stop, the vehicle fled and police gave chase. The vehicle then crashed, caught fire, and officers heard two gunshots. They found Huey Jr. in the driver’s seat of the car dead from a gunshot wound. Palomo was shot in the head and taken to a local hospital where she later died.
Romeoville police said they do believe they know the motive behind the murder of a family of four, but will not release it yet.
READ MORE: What we know about the Romeoville murders suspect
Neighbors said Palomo and Huey lived together in Streamwood. Her family’s attorney said they been in a serious relationship for the past six years and were engaged. Her family’s attorney said relatives knew something was wrong Tuesday night when she left with Huey.
“She communicated to a number of family members telling them things such as I love you, take care of my grandbabies,” attorney John Paul Ivec said. “She seemed upset.”
SEE ALSO: Romeoville police search for shooter after 4, including 2 children, found dead in home
Ivec said Palomo had five kids of her own and grandchildren, none of whom are Huey’s children. Ivec also said her family is not aware of any connection between Palomo and the family in Romeoville.
“We know without a shadow of a doubt she was home sleeping,” Ivec said. “This has been confirmed by multiple family members.”
Police said there is no reason to believe there are other suspects.
The Romeoville murders were not a random act, police said. The four victims were found in their home in Romeoville on Concord Avenue just off Independence Boulevard.
Romeoville police said Thursday they have no updates on the investigation but are confident they know the motive as they said there’s a clear connection to the family.
