Love, Betrayal, and Tragedy in Runner Township

It was a quiet spring evening in Runner Township, Pennsylvania, a peaceful suburb where neighbors knew each other by name and life moved at a gentle pace. But on April 23rd, 2018, that calm was shattered by two gunshots that echoed through the neighborhood, forever changing the lives of those involved.

The story that unfolded was one of love, betrayal, obsession, and heartbreak—a tragic tale centered on three people whose lives became dangerously intertwined.

Meredith Chapman was a woman who seemed to have it all. At 33, she was admired for her intelligence, warmth, and relentless drive. Born in Newark, Delaware, Meredith had always been ambitious. After graduating from the University of Delaware, she launched a career in television journalism, quickly making a name for herself with her charisma and dedication.

But Meredith’s ambitions extended beyond the newsroom. She returned to her alma mater to lead the marketing department and teach classes, inspiring students with her passion. Her career blossomed further when she entered politics, managing communications for the House of Representatives and even running for a state senate seat at 32. Though she didn’t win, her campaign earned her a spot on Delaware’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list.

Friends described Meredith as unstoppable—a woman who lit up every room she entered. She was full of hope and excitement for the future, especially after her marriage to Luke Chapman, a local councilman, in 2009. But as the years passed, cracks appeared in their relationship. By 2017, it was clear their marriage was ending.

That same year, Meredith met Mark Geredot. She interviewed him for a creative director position at the university, and though their initial interactions were professional, something shifted. Mark, married to Jennifer “Jen” Geredot since 1993, found himself drawn to Meredith’s energy and openness. He confided in her about painful experiences he rarely shared with others, and their bond deepened.

Soon, their professional relationship turned into a secret affair.

Jen, meanwhile, began to notice changes in her husband. Their marriage had weathered storms before—financial struggles, her own job loss, and growing emotional distance—but this felt different. Suspicious, Jen started tracking Mark’s calls and messages. Her worst fears were confirmed when she confronted him, and Mark admitted to the affair.

Devastated but still hopeful, Jen sought counseling to save their marriage. Mark, however, was resolute—he wanted a future with Meredith.

By early 2018, Meredith had ended her marriage and accepted a new job at Villanova University. She moved into a rental home in Runner Township, ready to start fresh. But Jen’s world was unraveling.

Feeling betrayed and abandoned, Jen’s pain morphed into obsession. She began planting trackers on Mark’s car and phone, sewing listening devices into his clothing, and even rifling through Meredith’s trash. Her jealousy and suspicion consumed her, and arguments at home escalated.

Despite seeking help from a psychiatrist, Jen’s mental health deteriorated. She became increasingly isolated, her thoughts darkening as she struggled to cope with the betrayal.

On the morning of April 23rd, Meredith shared a joyful photo online, celebrating her first day at Villanova. She was hopeful, excited for the new chapter ahead.

That evening, Mark was supposed to meet Jen for dinner. But Jen canceled at the last minute, sending angry texts and a final farewell message. Alarmed, Mark rushed to Meredith’s home, only to find a horrifying scene: both women were dead.

Police quickly pieced together the events leading to the tragedy. Jen had rented a car days earlier, gathered binoculars, gloves, ammunition, and even practiced at a shooting range. She drove to Meredith’s house, waited inside, and ambushed her as she returned home. After shooting Meredith, Jen turned the gun on herself.

The evidence revealed a carefully planned act. Police found listening devices sewn into Mark’s clothing, notebooks filled with surveillance notes, and GPS trackers labeled with cruel names. Jen’s heartbreak and mental health struggles had escalated into obsession and violence.

The community was left grappling with the tragedy. Some blamed Mark for igniting the chain of events. Others criticized Meredith for becoming involved with a married man. Many saw Jen as both perpetrator and victim—a woman whose pain and untreated mental health issues pushed her to a tragic breaking point.

Meredith’s friends and family mourned the loss of a woman who had so much to offer. Her career, her kindness, and her spirit were remembered fondly. She had been on the cusp of a new beginning, and her death left a void in the lives of those who loved her.

Jen’s story was one of heartbreak and mental illness. Her descent into obsession was fueled by betrayal and despair. Though her actions were unforgivable, many recognized the depth of her suffering. Her death was a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention.

Mark was left to carry the heavy burden of what might have been. His decisions had consequences that rippled through three lives. He faced public scrutiny and personal guilt, forced to confront the devastation that his choices had wrought.

Runner Township struggled to heal. The tragedy sparked conversations about love, betrayal, mental health, and the consequences of secrets kept too long. It raised difficult questions:

How do we recognize when pain turns into obsession?
What responsibility do we bear for the choices we make in love?
Could intervention have prevented this tragedy?

Though the gunshots silenced two lives that night, the story of Meredith, Jen, and Mark remains a powerful lesson. It is a story of human frailty, the complexity of relationships, and the devastating impact of betrayal and untreated mental illness.