Theresa Catherine Lanham, aged 33, tragically passed away on September 5, 2021, in Lakeland, Florida. Theresa, who was born on August 18, 1988, in Brandon, Florida, grew up in the Lakeland area and graduated from Lake Gibson High School in 2006. She worked with the payment recovery team at Geico Insurance Co. and was a devoted mother to her son, Jody Gleason, born in May 2021. Theresa was also a loving figure to Aubrey and Brendal Gleason, whom she cared for as her own. Her life was marked by her deep love for animals and her excitement about motherhood.
The circumstances surrounding Theresa's death were part of a horrific incident that shocked the community. On September 4, 2021, Bryan Riley, a former Marine, carried out a brutal attack on Theresa's family. Riley, who was suffering from delusions, believed he was on a mission to rescue a fictitious child named Amber from a non-existent sex trafficking ring. This delusion led him to the home of Justice Gleason, Theresa's partner, where he encountered the family. Despite being told to leave, Riley returned the next day, armed and wearing body armor.
Riley's attack resulted in the deaths of Theresa, her partner Justice Gleason, their infant son Jody, and Theresa's mother, Catherine Delgado. The attack was brutal, with Riley firing over 100 shots and killing the family dog. The only survivor was Justice Gleason's 11-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, who managed to play dead despite being shot multiple times. She later recounted the terrifying ordeal to investigators, describing how the family had huddled in a bathroom before Riley found and attacked them.
Following the massacre, Bryan Riley was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including four counts of first-degree murder. His case has been a significant focus of legal proceedings, with Riley facing additional charges such as attempted first-degree murder, arson, and armed burglary. Riley's mental health issues, which were noted by his girlfriend, played a crucial role in the events leading up to the tragedy. Despite his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps and his work in private security, Riley's delusions led to this devastating outcome.
The legal proceedings against Bryan Riley have been ongoing, with court hearings addressing the preservation of evidence and other procedural matters. The community continues to mourn the loss of Theresa and her family, remembering them for their love and the joy they brought to those around them. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of mental health issues and the importance of addressing them to prevent such tragedies in the future.
