LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Authorities in Lower Merion Township have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for a second after a violent home invasion left one man dead and his mother seriously injured.
Charles Fulforth, 41, of Jenkintown, was arrested on Thursday and charged with second-degree murder, robbery, and related offenses. Police are still searching for 42-year-old Kelvin Roberts of Philadelphia, who is wanted in connection with the crime.
The deadly shooting occurred around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday at a residence on Meredith Road. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio was asleep in her room when one of the suspects entered and shot her. Her son, 25-year-old Andrew Gaudio, attempted to intervene but was fatally shot.
Bernadette, who was bedridden due to a leg injury, managed to use Siri to call 911, despite being unable to move after being shot. DA Kevin Steele praised her bravery, noting that the suspects were likely still in the house at the time of her call.
Dashcam footage showed a white Hyundai Azera, allegedly driven by Roberts, leaving the scene shortly after the shooting, along with a green Jeep Cherokee belonging to the Gaudio family. Police traced the vehicle to a home on Sansom Street in Philadelphia, where they recovered the stolen Jeep and Bernadette’s jewelry box. Fulforth was seen exiting the stolen Jeep outside that home.
Further investigation, including cell phone data, led to Fulforth’s arrest without incident. Police are still searching for Roberts, who is considered dangerous. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Bernadette remains hospitalized and is paralyzed but is showing some signs of recovery. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lower Merion Police Department or the Montgomery County Detective Division.