A suspect has been identified in a home invasion that turned deadly in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old man and the critical injury of his mother. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has issued an arrest warrant for 42-year-old Philadelphia man Kelvin Roberts, who is charged with second-degree murder, robbery, and related crimes, as reported by FOX29.
Early on Sunday, Lower Merion Police were dispatched to the scene on Meredith Road in response to a 911 call made by the injured mother, 61-year-old Bernadette Gaudio. Bernadette, who was later transported for emergency surgery, remains in critical condition, according to the district attorney. The suspect, Kelvin Roberts, was seen fleeing the scene in a white Hyundai Azera, which was later traced back to his residence, FOX29 adds. The stolen vehicle from the home invasion, a Jeep Cherokee, was also found on Sansom Street in Philadelphia, as per NBC Philadelphia.
Authorities, including Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, have not yet confirmed whether the crime was targeted or random. Still, they have established a clear connection between Roberts and the home invasion by recovering items, including Bernadette Gaudio's jewelry box from Roberts' Sansom Street abode. "The jewelry box is key in that it shows that they were in the house, they committed a burglary, a robbery, a home invasion, and we have the evidence of that in the jewelry box," Steele explained, as detailed by CBS News.
Roberts is also wanted for separate incidences, including a commercial burglary in October in Philadelphia and a theft by receiving stolen property charge out of North Wales. Though there is a belief that at least one other individual is involved, no further details about additional suspects have been released. "You never think anything like this is going to happen like next door to you," neighbor Scott Richard lamented, emphasizing the shock and fear such an incident instills within a tight-knit community, according to CBS News.
The Montgomery County DA's office offers a $5,000 reward for any information leading to Roberts' apprehension. Law enforcement officials urge the public not to approach Roberts if spotted and to contact 911 immediately. Tips regarding his whereabouts can also be directed to the Lower Merion Police Department at 610-278-3386 or the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3386, as informed by NBC Philadelphia.
