TULSA, Okla. — Authorities chasing an Illinois homicide suspect resulted in a fiery car crash on I-44 near the Hard Rock Casino on Wednesday.
Catoosa Police Chief Benight told 2 News, a man suspected in "some" homicides in Illinois drove the car. He said police are also looking for a missing woman who was in a relationship with the man.
The man has been identified as Nathaniel Huey Jr.
Miriah Kincaid, a bystander near the scene, spoke with 2 News Oklahoma's Sharon Phillips.
"I wish [Nathaniel Huey Jr.] would’ve been caught beforehand. I mean, it’s crazy. People like that being out on the streets, I used to work at a prison and it’s not safe for our kids," Kincaid said.
Zoraida and Alberto Bartolomei, along with their two children and family pets were murdered Sunday in Romeoville, Illinois.
2 News learned, police in Romeoville are investigating the man and woman as people of interest in that murder.
The family of the woman reported her missing Tuesday and that information went to the Law Enforcement Data System, according to police.
The information in the system allowed Oklahoma flock cameras to identify the suspects car.
Catoosa police located the suspect, who sped off, hit another car, and then crashed against the center barrier. The car burst into flames. Police said no one got out of the car.
Officers heard what sounded like two gunshots after the crash. The woman had a gunshot wound and is in critical condition. The driver also suffering a gunshot wound died on the scene.
2 News NBC affiliate in Chicago spoke to the woman's lawyer confirming she died from her injuries Wednesday night.
Family members of Zoraida Bartolomei, one of the four people killed in Illinois released the following statement.
"We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity and support following the tragic loss. At this moment, our primary focus is on channeling support, assistance and love for our family and loved ones," the family said. "We appreciate the understanding and we take this opportunity to once again express our profound gratitude for the solidarity and support extended by people during this period."
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