Woman died after intervening to protect her son during an attempted robbery in Indiana
A 40-year-old woman died after being shot during a meeting to finalize the sale of a watch through Facebook Marketplace in Indiana
An Indiana woman died after intervening during a transaction agreed upon through Facebook Marketplace that ended in a shooting in front of her home.
The victim was identified as Jean Gragg, 40, who came to help her teenage son while he sold a watch to a buyer who had come to the family home.
The incident occurred on the night of June 10 in Edison Park, an area located near the University of Notre Dame, in South Bend.
According to the police, the meeting had been organized to finalize the sale of the item.
Investigation indicates that the suspect would have pulled out a weapon during the exchange
According to authorities, the young man identified as John Ford, 18, was inspecting the watch when he allegedly pulled out a firearm.
People close to the family noted that Gragg's son had previously made other sales through the platform.
According to the preliminary investigation, Gragg intervened and placed himself between both young men before attempting to lead the visitor away from the property.
Authorities maintain that the suspect subsequently fired several shots.
The woman was hit in the head while returning to the home.
Records cited by local media indicate that nearby security cameras captured part of the events.
The victim died days later; suspect faces multiple charges
Gragg was initially taken to a hospital in critical condition.
She was later declared brain dead and taken off life support days later, according to people close to the family.
Family and friends described her as a person dedicated to her son and known for constantly caring for those around her.
Authorities later located the suspect at a residential complex located a short distance from the scene of the shooting.
Police also reported recovering a gun that had been abandoned nearby.
During an interview with investigators, the defendant allegedly admitted to the shooting.
Ford faces charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.
He is currently being held without bond at the St. Joseph County Jail.