- Jean Gragg, a 40-year-old mother, was fatally shot while protecting her son during a Facebook Marketplace robbery in South Bend, Indiana.
- The suspect, 18-year-old John Harrison Ford, allegedly pulled a gun during an attempted robbery and has been charged with murder.
- Gragg's family described her as a devoted mother who prioritized her son's safety until her last moments.
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA — Days after a pregnant Indiana mother was found dead in Mexico months after vanishing with her seven children, another Indiana family is mourning the loss of a beloved mother. This time, a woman was killed while trying to protect her teenage son during what police say turned into a violent Facebook Marketplace robbery.
Jean Gragg, 40, died after being shot during an arranged meeting outside her South Bend home on June 10.
Authorities say her son had agreed to sell a watch to 18-year-old John Harrison Ford through Facebook Marketplace.
Marketplace Sale Turns Violent
According to investigators, Ford arrived at the family's Edison Park home near the University of Notre Dame shortly before 10 p.m. to inspect the watch.
Charging documents state that Ford pulled out a handgun while looking at the timepiece and attempted to take it by force.
Family friends said Gragg's son had completed Facebook Marketplace transactions many times before without incident.
Mother Stepped In
Police say Gragg intervened when the situation escalated.
According to court records, she positioned herself between her son and the alleged gunman before pushing Ford away from the property.
As Gragg turned and began walking back toward her home, Ford allegedly opened fire.
Security footage reportedly captured Gragg collapsing in her driveway as Ford fled the scene.
Mother Dies Days Later
Gragg was struck in the head and rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Doctors later determined she was brain-dead.
She was removed from life support on June 13, according to loved ones.
"My superhero," Gragg's son later said while remembering his mother.
Family members described Gragg as a devoted mother who always put others before herself.
"Jean was a dedicated, wonderful mother, very loving and caring, always putting her son first down to her very last breath," her obituary stated.
Suspect Arrested
Investigators tracked Ford to an apartment complex approximately two miles from the shooting scene.
Police also recovered the suspected firearm after it had allegedly been thrown over a fence nearby.
During questioning, Ford allegedly admitted to shooting Gragg.
He has since been charged with murder, attempted murder, and robbery.
Ford remains held without bond at the St. Joseph County Jail.
Community Mourns Loss
Friends and loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Gragg's family with funeral expenses.
Those who knew her described her as compassionate, nurturing, and fiercely protective of her son.
For her family, Gragg's final act reflected the way she lived her life—putting her child before herself, even in the face of danger.
The case remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward against the teenager accused of killing her.
To view more cases involving violent robberies and families seeking justice, check out our video here:
