NORRISTOWN, PA – Two Montgomery County men have been convicted of first-degree murder and several other felonies after a botched burglary led to the shooting death of a 25-year-old man and critical injuries to his mother during a violent home invasion last December.
Charles Fulforth, 41, and Kelvin Roberts Jr., 42, faced a jury this week, who found them guilty after approximately four hours of deliberation. The verdict held both men responsible for the killing of Andrew Gaudio and the wounding of Bernadette Gaudio, 61, in a case stemming from a mistaken identity and a failed plan to steal firearms.
Prosecutors said the two men, who were employed together at a local junk removal business, entered the Gaudio residence on December 8, 2024, in search of a cache of guns that were believed to be at a different property. Investigators determined that the suspects had received a tip about firearms at the home of an elderly couple, but misidentified their target, instead breaking into the Gaudio household in Montgomery County.
Testimony during the trial described harrowing moments as Bernadette Gaudio recalled hearing her son call for her before he was fatally shot in her bedroom. Evidence presented in court indicated that Andrew was killed by a gunshot to the back of the head while he was lying on the floor. Bernadette Gaudio was then shot multiple times, leaving her permanently paralyzed.
Authorities revealed that Roberts and Fulforth were allegedly involved in gun trafficking and orchestrated the violent break-in based on information from a third party. Jeremy Fuentes, who provided the tip about guns being stored at a home in Bucks County, is facing separate charges and is expected to stand trial at a later date.
During the investigation, police learned that Fuentes and another employee from the junk removal business had visited the intended target home for an estimate, discovering a gun safe on the premises. Prosecutors said this information was passed to Fulforth and Roberts, ultimately leading to the fatal incident at the wrong address.
Following the convictions, both men were found guilty on seven felony counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and robbery. The jury, however, acquitted the defendants of conspiracy to commit murder.
Law enforcement officials described the attack as a tragedy compounded by miscommunication and criminal intent. Neighbors and members of the community expressed shock at the violence that shattered the quiet residential neighborhood.
Roberts and Fulforth remain in custody and are awaiting a sentencing hearing to determine their penalties, which could potentially include life imprisonment. The victim’s family is continuing to seek justice as legal proceedings for other individuals allegedly involved in the crime move forward.
No sentencing date has yet been announced for the two men convicted in the deadly home invasion, and the case against Fuentes is expected to bring further details to light when it goes to trial.