Richard Harper,Ondria Glaze Obituary, Death; – An Olney High School educator was the victim of a murder-suicide incident that occurred on Monday in the Grays Ferry area of Philadelphia. Law enforcement officials confirmed on Wednesday that Ondria Glaze, aged 36, passed away after sustaining a gunshot wound at a residence on the 1300 block of S. 30th Street.
Upon arrival at approximately 1:14 p.m., officers discovered Glaze with a gunshot wound to the head. Another individual, 42-year-old Richard Harper, was found deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was discovered near Harper’s body, according to the police.
Principal Michael Roth of Olney High School expressed in a message to the school community that Glaze served as the special education compliance monitor and a long-standing, cherished teacher. Roth mentioned that Glaze epitomized the school’s motto: “Olney Love.”
“She embodied this principle and positively impacted every student and staff member she encountered,” Roth stated. “Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our sympathies to her family, students, our staff, and the entire school community.”
Roth also mentioned that Glaze was a close personal friend. “I am confident that she would want us to come together during this difficult period and provide support to one another,” Roth added. “That’s what she consistently did for others.” Glaze dedicated a decade to Olney High School, and students and colleagues regarded her as a member of their extended family.
“She was more than just a friend, she was like a sister to all of us,” remarked junior Joseph Peralta. “Miss Glaze was the kindest person I ever met. She always had a smile on her face whenever you saw her,” shared senior Kai Sutton. Following the news of her passing, a memorial began to form on the doors of her office. “They did it on their own. It wasn’t planned,” mentioned teacher Glorimar Melendez.”This was known as The Hub. Students would seek her out, and she was always there to lend an ear,” added teacher Kelly Wallace.
“The school has truly lost a significant part of our community,” expressed teaching assistant Tim Williams. A candlelight vigil in memory of Glaze is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on Monday, May 13. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to establish a scholarship fund in her honor.
