According to a release issued by Lower Providence Township, the Lower Providence Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Eaglestream Drive in Eagleville on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 5:54 p.m. for a report of a disturbance.  Initial responding officers came upon a 5-year-old female sitting on the steps of an apartment building who advised officers that her mother and grandmother were fighting. The child directed the officers to an apartment unit in the building.

According to the release, officers entered the apartment and observed the suspect, Lauren Kimmel, 29, a resident of the apartment, on top of the victim, Barbara Gress, 59, of the 100 block of Magnolia Court in Collegeville. Kimmel reportedly had one hand over the mouth and nose of Gress and her other hand on Gress’ throat. The officers took Kimmel into custody. Gress’ shirt was reportedly soaked in blood and the officers observed that she had sustained a stab wound of her upper left chest. When questioned about the incident, Gress told officers, "She stabbed me." 

Lower Providence Emergency Medical Services were summoned and treated Gress at the scene and then transported her to a landing zone at the Lower Providence Volunteer Fire Company at Ridge Pike and East Mount Kirk Avenue.  Gress was transferred to a PennStar medical helicopter which transported her to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she was admitted as result of her injuries. 

Kimmel was transported to the Lower Providence Township Police Department where she was processed and charged with Criminal Attempt at Murder, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Possessing Instruments of Crime and Endangering the Welfare of Children. 

The 5-year-old child was turned over to the custody of a family member.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Gress and the child, who lives with Gress but is Kimmel’s child, were visiting Kimmel in her apartment. Gress, who is Kimmel’s mother and the child’s grandmother, was sitting on a couch in the living room area of the apartment watching television when Kimmel, without provocation, approached Gress and stabbed her in the chest with a four-inch serrated steak knife. Kimmel then continued to assault Gress with her hands.

Kimmel was provided a preliminary arraignment before Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar of Collegeville. Bail was set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. before Judge Rebar. 

Kimmel was committed to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.