Year In Review 2024: Top Stories In Eastern Montco

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —A suspect was shot at a jewelry store heist in Horsham Township. Meanwhile, an Elkins Park teenager was killed two weeks before his graduation.

These were some of the top stories making news in Eastern Montgomery County this past year:

Suspect Shot During Jewelry Heist At Eastern Montco Store: Police

A suspect was shot during a burglary at a jewelry store in The Shoppes at English Village in Horsham Township in May. An employee at Jems, Jewels, and Gold interrupted the burglary, police said. (Read More)

Elkins Park Teen Killed 2 Weeks Before His Graduation

An 18-year-old teenager was shot and killed in Philadelphia just two weeks shy of graduating high school. The teenager was trying to de-escalate a domestic abuse situation and help the victim get out safe but was tragically shot in the process in late May. (Read More)

Fallen Tree Kills Golfer At Montco Country Club

A tree fell on a golf cart at the JC Melrose Country Club in mid-April, killing a golfer. Cheltenham Township Police, EMS, and fire crews found a person dead in the passenger seat of the golf cart with a large tree on top of it at the JC Melrose Country Club. (Read More)

Husband And Wife Killed In Montco House Fire

Two people were killed and another person was injured after being trapped in an April house fire on Bellaire Avenue in Upper Dublin Township. The victims were a husband and wife. (Read More)

June Fete Fair Ends 111-Year Streak After Cancellation

The June Fete Fair —held for 111 consecutive years —was canceled for safety reasons. The Abington Health Foundation Women’s Board said the June Fete Fair and Horse & Pony Show in June due to "the township’s current safety and security concerns related to numerous local events." (Read More)

Horsham Mom Guilty Of First-Degree Murder Of Son: DA

The trial of a Horsham mother in the strangulation death of her 11-year-old son ended in February with a guilty verdict of first-degree murder, authorities said. The trial of Ruth Dirienzo-Whitehead, 51, on first-degree murder and third-degree murder charges and a charge of possessing an instrument of crime in the death of her son last April. (Read More)