(Credit: Montgomery County DA)
Three men have been sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a violent Lower Merion home invasion that left a mother paralyzed and her son dead.
Montgomery County Judge Risa Vetri Ferman called the crime “pure evil” and “one of the worst crimes this court has ever seen,” noting the men targeted the wrong house while seeking guns to traffic, according to The Mercury.
Charles Edward Fulforth, 41, of Abington, and Kelvin Roberts Jr., 42, of Philadelphia, were convicted in July of first-degree murder, attempted murder, burglary, robbery, and conspiracy. Both received mandatory life sentences plus consecutive terms of more than 55 years, making parole or commutation highly unlikely.
Prosecutors said the pair carried out the December 2024 invasion, during which 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio was shot in the neck and paralyzed, and her son Andrew, 25, was fatally shot as he tried to protect her.
Jeremy Fuentes, 27, of Philadelphia, who provided the information that prompted the break-in, was convicted earlier this month of second-degree murder and conspiracy. He also received a life term plus up to 20 additional years. According to the report, Ferman said Fuentes “set in motion the chain of events.”
At sentencing, family members remembered Andrew Gaudio as a compassionate, fun-loving son and brother. Bernadette Gaudio spoke about his final moments: “Even in his final moments, he was shot multiple times, and his only concern was for me.”
Prosecutors Edward McCann and Brianna Ringwood described the crime as “horrific” and “premeditated,” emphasizing its devastating impact on the family but also pointing to their resilience, according to the report.
The Gaudio family said they found no joy in the sentences but believed justice was served.
“We will remain focused on my mom’s health and recovery,” said Robert Gaudio, Andrew’s brother.
Friends of Andrew also addressed the defendants directly, writing, “You are nothing. You took everything. I hope that you never forget the life that you have taken from this world.”
Fuentes made a statement to the family as well: “This is a very tragic thing that happened. I’m deeply moved by it. I’m sorry for your loss, I really am.”
Investigation revealed motive and planning
According to investigators, the three defendants had worked together at Junkluggers in Upper Moreland Township. Fuentes allegedly visited a Bucks County home on Dec. 6, 2024, and observed a gun safe and related items. Believing the elderly homeowners would be vulnerable targets, Fuentes allegedly shared the address and details with Fulforth and Roberts.
Authorities said Fulforth and Roberts went to the wrong address on Meredith Road, where they committed the fatal shooting. Surveillance footage, Ring camera evidence, and a recovered stolen Jeep Cherokee linked the suspects to a residence on Sansom Street in West Philadelphia. A jewelry box belonging to Bernadette Gaudio was recovered at the residence, police said.
Prosecutors said the group was involved in trafficking stolen firearms, ghost guns, and 3D-printed conversion devices. Though the crime involved multiple aggravating factors, including the killing of a witness and shooting of a sleeping victim, prosecutors chose not to pursue the death penalty. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said the decision reflected mitigating evidence and the Gaudio family’s wishes.
Fuentes’ involvement in the home invasion is central to the prosecution’s case, as he is allegedly the one who provided critical information has made him an accomplice under the law, authorities said.
The investigation was a team effort between Steele, and Lower Merion, Upper Moreland and Abington Township police departments.
The homicide investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau and Lower Merion Township Police found that information allegedly provided by Fuentes to Fulforth was the impetus behind Fulforth and Roberts allegedly entering the Lower Merion home to burglarize and rob it of firearms.
Following the estimate, Fuentes allegedly called Fulforth and shared with him the information regarding the multiple firearms and related items in the home. He also allegedly told Fulforth that the homeowners were elderly.
Authorities said the home-invasion homicide occurred in the unit block of Meredith Road, in the Wynnewood section of Lower Merion Township at about 2:20 a.m.
According to county dispatch, a call for a shooting was reported at 2:22 a.m. in the area with a female calling to say she was shot.
In the wake of the shooting, police were seeking a silver or white 4-door sedan with handicapped Pennsylvania license plates, “24963” displayed at the rear of the car, police said.
Police were also searching a 2004 green Jeep Cherokee, with Pennsylvania Registration license plate number: LFS6673, which was stolen during the home-invasion and later recovered in West Philadelphia.
That vehicle led them to a home on Sansom Street and a search warrant was executed on the home. Authorities said the car had a stolen tag that was registered to a deceased individual.
One of the items found in the Sansom Street residence was a jewelry box, which was identified by Bernadette as hers, investigators said.
Ring cameras and other home security cameras in the area aided in the investigation, especially footage showing people bringing items into the Sansom Street home.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
