A family of four and their three dogs were discovered dead in their suburban Chicago home on Sunday night, in what authorities are investigating as a quadruple homicide. The victims, identified as Alberto Rolon and Zoraida Bartolomei, along with their two children, were found by Romeoville police around 8:40 p.m. during a welfare check. The identities and ages of the children have not been disclosed as of Monday.
The family’s three dogs were also found shot dead within the residence. Romeoville Deputy Police Chief Chris Burne, during a Monday press conference, dismissed the possibility of a murder-suicide. He stated that the investigation is currently treating the incident as a murder case.
Despite the grim discovery, Burne assured the local community that there was no immediate threat. No arrests have been made in connection with the case, but the police are not actively seeking anyone in the area. He attributed this to the significant time lapse – over 18 hours – since the police were first contacted.
The marital status of the parents remains unclear, according to Burne. Both children were students at RC Hill Elementary School, as confirmed by Valley View School District Superintendent Rachel Kinder in a community message.
The welfare check was initiated after concerned family members contacted the police. One of the victims had failed to report for work at 6 a.m. on Sunday and was unresponsive to messages. Authorities believe the family was killed between 9 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the incident. Lynn Phillips, a neighbor living one house away, told local media that the family was quiet and kept to themselves. Carol Love, another neighbor, described the family as nice people who made an effort to be good neighbors. Romeoville is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago.