ROMEOVILLE, IL – A family of four and their three dogs were discovered dead in their suburban Chicago home 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 during a welfare check around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday night. The identities and ages of the children have not been disclosed.
The Romeoville Deputy Police Chief, Chris Burne, stated in a press conference on Monday that the incident is not believed to be a murder-suicide. He also assured the community that there is no immediate threat, despite no arrests having been made. The police are not actively searching for anyone in the area, given the time that has elapsed since the incident.
The relationship 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 police were alerted by concerned family members after one of the victims failed to show up for work at 6 a.m. on Sunday and did not respond 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, describing the family as quiet and private. They were known to keep to themselves, and were rarely seen outside their home. The family was remembered as friendly and respectful, often seen tending to their yard.
Romeoville, the town that the family was discovered in, is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago.