Cops retrace final steps of killer in Radnor murder-suicide
RADNOR » Radnor police say they have located a set of keys used by Jennair Gerardot to drive from Delaware to Radnor prior to executing a murder-suicide plot inside a home in the Rosemont section of the township.
According to police, the keys were found by the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s office and turned over to police Wednesday.
At a press conference Tuesday, police said they suspected that Gerardot may have taken a train to Radnor. The keys that were found, it was discovered, were for a black Cadillac STS that was rented by Gerardot April 13.
Personal effects belonging to Gerardot were also found inside the car. Detectives also found a pair of binoculars, ammunition, rubber gloves and earplugs inside the car. Finally, a receipt from a gas station marked at 2:40 p.m. the day of the murder was also found.
Police say Gerardot, 47, of Wilmington, Del., drove from Delaware to Radnor before breaking into the residence of Meredith Chapman, 33.
Once Chapman arrived home Monday evening, police say, Gerardot shot and killed her before turning the gun on herself.
At Tuesday’s press conference, police cited an apparent motive for the murder-suicide was that Chapman had been having a relationship with Gerardot’s husband, Mark Gerardot.
Luke Chapman and Meredith Chapman’s family also issued a joint statement Wednesday asking for privacy as they mourn.
“Meredith was a wonderful daughter, sister, and devoted friend. We loved her very much, just as she loved all of us, and we are devastated by her death. While her marriage to Luke had come to an end, it was gratifying to know that their separation and divorce was amicable, that they remained friends and confidants, and that each of them cared very much for the other,” according to a portion of the statement.
They went on to say they understand the circumstances of her death have received news attention but they have chosen to refrain from participating.
“She was a vibrant, vital and caring woman of incredible talent, and we ask for the opportunity to mourn her in private,” the statement concluded.