Philadelphia, PA – A tragic incident unfolded in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood as a special education compliance monitor and teacher lost her life in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide. The devastating event took place at an apartment along the 1300 block of South 30th Street on Sunday afternoon.
Law enforcement officers responded to the scene around 1:14 p.m. and discovered Ondria Glaze, 36, with a fatal gunshot wound to her face. Rick Harper, 42, was also found in the apartment, having sustained a gunshot wound to the head that is believed to have been self-inflicted by the police.
Authorities have indicated that the sequence of events leading to the tragic deaths involved Harper shooting Glaze before turning the gun on himself. Both individuals were pronounced deceased at the site by officials.
The principal of Olney High School, Michael Roth, expressed his sorrow in a letter to parents, highlighting Glaze’s role as a cherished educator and friend who exemplified the school’s spirit of “Olney Love.” The heartfelt tribute emphasized Glaze’s profound impact on the school community and extended condolences to her loved ones.
To honor Glaze’s memory, the school announced the establishment of a scholarship in her name, titled “The Ondria Glaze, Olney Love Scholarship.” This scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating student who demonstrates the same spirit of compassion and dedication that Glaze embodied during her time at Olney High School.
In the wake of this tragedy, the school community mourns the loss of a beloved staff member and commits to preserving Glaze’s legacy through the scholarship fund created in her honor. The impact of her presence will continue to inspire and uplift students for years to come, keeping the spirit of “Olney Love” alive within the school.