The 'Light In Every Room': Single Mother, Teacher Killed In Montco Mourned

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The Montgomery County woman who was shot and killed in front of her young son on Tuesday morning was a single mother and teacher who profoundly impacted the lives of her students and those who knew her, according to countless mourners.

Rachel King, 35, was in the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru in Cheltenham's Melrose Shopping Center Tuesday morning when an unknown gunman walked up and opened fire. No arrests have been made and police are still searching.

"(King) was the light in every room, had the sweetest giggle and the warmest hugs," one friend wrote in a widely shared social media post. "She was always glowing. If you knew her, you know the glow."

Rachel's 11-year-old son, Jalen, was sitting the back seat when Rachel was killed. He was not injured.

In the span of just 16 hours, more than $14,000 has been raised to support Jalen and the King family via GoFundMe.

RELATED: Mother Shot, Killed In Front Of Young Son, Suspect Sought: Montco DA

King, a resident of Elkins Park and graduate of Eastern University, taught at Grover Cleveland Elementary School in Philadelphia, part of the Mastery Charter School District, for more than 10 years. She taught history to 7th and 8th graders.

In a recent teacher spotlight done by the school district, King said that seeing her students grow was the most rewarding part of her job.

"It has been amazing to watch their love for learning about the past and the world around us evolve," King said. "Seeing my students become invested in learning about history makes my heart smile."

Fellow Mastery teacher and renown chef Kenneth J. McDuffie said his heart was broken.

"I know she touched so many lives throughout her 10 years of teaching," he said. "Mastery Charter lost a gem, a teacher, co-worker, teammate, and friend."

Services for King have not yet been announced.

Police are searching for a man driving a light-colored sedan, possibly a Ford or Mercury. If you have any information, call the Cheltenham Township Police Department at 215-885-1600 (extension 400) or Montgomery County Detectives at 610-226-5553.