NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A jury is currently deliberating the fate of a 27-year-old man accused of being involved in a violent home invasion that left one woman paralyzed and her son dead. Jeremy Fuentes faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, and conspiracy to commit burglary in connection with the incident that occurred early on December 8, 2024.
During proceedings at Montgomery County Court on Wednesday, Fuentes remained expressionless as the jury, made up of seven men and five women, began their discussions after hearing closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The jury continued its deliberation into the evening.
The charges against Fuentes stem from a targeted home invasion in Lower Merion Township, where Bernadette Gaudio, 61, was shot in the neck and left paralyzed, while her son, Andrew, 25, was fatally wounded when he attempted to assist her. Prosecutors assert that Fuentes provided crucial information that enabled his accomplices, Charles Edward Fulforth and Kelvin Roberts Jr., to carry out the attack.
First Assistant District Attorney Edward F. McCann Jr. emphasized Fuentes’ accountability during his closing remarks, stating, “He does not get to wash the blood off his hands when he put this in motion.” Prosecutors argued that had Fuentes not been involved, the tragic events would never have occurred, allowing the Gaudio family to continue their normal lives.
Though Fuentes was not present during the home invasion, he is charged under accomplice liability theories. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence upon conviction, as it refers to killings that occur during the commission of another felony, such as burglary.
In contrast, defense attorney Matthew Quigg contended that Fuentes lacked a shared intent to commit the burglary, arguing that the plan was masterminded by Fulforth, who allegedly manipulated Fuentes for information on potential targets. Quigg claimed the prosecution’s case contained gaps that should give the jury reasonable doubt.
In July, Fulforth and Roberts were convicted of first-degree murder in relation to the home invasion and face mandatory life sentences pending formal sentencing later this year. Fuentes, Fulforth, and Roberts all worked together at Junkluggers, a junk removal service.
The investigation revealed that Fuentes had previously visited a Bucks County home with a similar address to the Gaudio residence. During his visit on December 6, he noted the presence of firearms, which he later communicated to Fulforth. Prosecutors allege this exchange activated the chain of events leading to the home invasion.
Detectives presented cellphone records showing Fuentes contacted Fulforth shortly after visiting the Bucks County home, indicating his eagerness to share information about the firearms he had seen. The prosecutor pointed out that Fuentes’ actions were motivated by a desire to participate in a larger gun trafficking scheme.
On the night of the home invasion, Fulforth and Roberts mistakenly targeted the Gaudio home instead of the intended Bucks County location. Testimony indicated that multiple shots were fired using three different firearms. Authorities recovered a .25-caliber handgun left at the scene and a 9mm ghost gun found in Fulforth’s possession, both of which were linked to the fatal incident.
The investigation also determined that Fuentes had provided the .25-caliber weapon to Fulforth shortly before the invasion, and his DNA was found on it. Prosecutors made the case that the tragedy was driven by “greed and putting guns in the hands of criminals,” highlighting the broader implications of the gun trafficking ring unveiled during their inquiry into the home invasion.
Fuentes, Fulforth, and Roberts face further charges related to their involvement in the alleged gun trafficking operation, which involves the illegal sale of firearms, including untraceable “ghost guns” made with 3D printing technology.
This unfolding case raises important questions about accountability and the consequences of involvement in organized criminal activities, particularly in relation to gun violence and its impact on innocent lives.
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