Crime
Daycare Owner Jessica Gracia Identified in Upper Saucon Township Break-In and Fatal Shooting
Lehigh County, PA – Authorities have identified the woman involved in an armed break-in that led to a fatal shooting early Thursday morning in Upper Saucon Township.
Police say the suspect, Jessica Gracia, forcibly entered a home on West Hopewell Road while armed with a firearm and opened fire before taking her own life.
Investigators have since uncovered that Gracia was the owner of a 24/7 daycare facility, Olivia’s Family Daycare, which operated out of a home on Washington Avenue in Northampton Borough.
According to Northampton County property records, she had purchased the residence in the 1900 block of Washington Avenue on New Year’s Eve.
Neighbors confirmed that the home had recently been on the market and was sold, with one resident stating they only became aware of the daycare’s presence two weeks ago after observing children being dropped off and picked up by adults.
A woman who previously owned the Washington Avenue home revealed that Gracia had disclosed running a business from the residence.
At the time of the closing sale, Gracia was also a single parent to her 19-month-old daughter.
Despite these developments, authorities have yet to confirm a motive behind the violent incident.
It remains unclear why Gracia, a daycare owner and mother, would break into the home while armed.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released any additional details regarding potential connections between Gracia and the residents of the targeted home.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.