In the quiet community of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, the life of 57-year-old Jeanne Marie Costello Edwards was tragically cut short on the evening of November 25, 2019. A female with a passion for landscape design and a successful career in educational software sales, she was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend known for her infectious laughter and adventurous spirit.
The events of that fateful evening unfolded at her home on Dale Road.
Her son, Alex, was returning from work shortly before 5:30 p.m. when he heard a 'pop' as he entered the driveway. Upon entering the house, he was confronted by a horrifying scene: his mother's ex-boyfriend, 61-year-old William Tomas Torres of Elkton, Maryland, stood in a doorway brandishing a shotgun. Torres then pointed the weapon at Alex before fleeing the residence.
Alex immediately called 911. When Lower Moreland Township police arrived, they found Jeanne Edwards suffering from a shotgun wound. She was rushed to Abington Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. An autopsy later confirmed that she died from multiple shotgun pellet wounds to her torso, and her death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation quickly identified William Torres as the primary suspect. He was apprehended by Limerick Township police a short time after the shooting at a private residence. Following his arrest, Torres was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and possession of an instrument of crime. He was arraigned and held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for December 10, 2019.
