Philadelphia high school teacher killed in murder-suicide, police say

A special education compliance monitor and teacher at Olney High School was killed in, what police believe, was a murder-suicide in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood.

According to police, officers responded to an apartment along the 1300 block of South 30th Street Monday afternoon to find Ondria Glaze, 36, shot in the face.

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In the apartment, officials said, they also found Rick Harper, 42, with a gunshot wound to the head, that police believe was self-inflicted.

Police officials said Wednesday that they believe Harper shot Glaze then himself.

Both were pronounced at the scene, according to police.

Earlier this week, in a letter to parents, Michael Roth, principal of Olney High School, said the "special education compliance monitor and long-time beloved Olney teacher" was a personal friend who embodied the term, "Olney Love."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.

"At Olney, we have a saying' Olney Love.' She embodied this mantra and blessed every student and staff member she came across," the letter read. "She will be deeply missed and our condolences go out to her family, students, our staff and the entire school community."

Also, in Glaze's memory, the school has set up a scholarship, "The Ondria Glaze, Olney Love Scholarship."

School officials said the scholarship will be delivered to "a graduate each year who demonstrates Olney Love through their actions."

Jerry Jordan, the president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, echoed the condolences:

"I am deeply saddened by the murder of Ondria Glaze, a special education teacher and SPECM (Special Education Compliance Monitor) at Olney High School. On behalf of all of our members, we mourn for Ms. Glaze, for her family, for the Olney High School community, and for all who knew and loved her.

"There are no words that could possibly capture this level of loss, and our deep condolences are insufficient."

Jordan added that "Ms. Glaze was described by one of her colleagues as 'extraordinary.' Ms. Glaze had incredibly strong relationships with students and staff... Ms. Glaze was 'the brightest light' according to a colleague, who described Ms. Glaze by saying, 'She made everyone feel like she was their favorite person in the world.'

"This is an incredibly tragic loss for the entire Olney High School community and for all of Ms. Glaze's loved ones. The devastation wrought by gun violence is heartbreaking, and during this unbearable time of grief, I pray for comfort and healing for all who are impacted by Ms. Glaze's death."

Olney High planned a Monday, May 13, 2024, vigil for Glaze.

Entering Thursday, at least 91 people had been killed in Philadelphia so far this year, according to Philadelphia police data. That homicide total is down 36% from the same time last year and the lowest year-to-date total since 2016.