The vibrant online world of Instagram influencer Miss Mercedes Moor, known in real life as Janae Gagnier to her 2.7 million followers, has been overshadowed by a horrific tragedy. Over the weekend, Gagnier was found dead in her Richmond, Texas, home, the victim of strangulation and a traumatic concussion, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office. The grim details emerged after a murder-suicide investigation pointed to a stalker as the perpetrator of this senseless act.
Richmond police responded to a call at Gagnier’s residence in the Cortland Apartments on Pointe West Circle late Sunday afternoon, discovering the bodies of the 33-year-old influencer and 34-year-old Kevin Alexander Accorto. Accorto, who had traveled all the way from Florida, was found to have died from multiple sharp force injuries. Authorities have classified the incident as a murder-suicide, with Accorto believed to be the aggressor. However, the precise motive behind this violent act remains under active investigation. Initial findings indicate that Gagnier and Accorto were not in a relationship, strengthening the theory of stalking.
The devastating discovery was made by Gagnier’s father, Mark Gagnier. Concerned after being unable to reach his daughter by phone, he went to her home, only to be met with the gruesome scene after kicking down the door. He recounted the horrifying moment of finding Janae “on the floor, and her clothes are all torn up,” and then discovering Accorto upstairs “with a knife in him, still alive.” Overwhelmed, he could only call the police. Mr. Gagnier’s raw account underscores the brutality of the crime and the profound shock experienced by the family.
Adding to the heartbreak, Gagnier’s parents believe their daughter was the target of a stalker. Her mother, Jeanetta Grover, emphasized Janae’s cautious nature, stating, “She’s very cautious about her surroundings. Unfortunately, someone basically was stalking, and killed my baby.” This tragic end to a vibrant life serves as a stark reminder of the real-world dangers that can penetrate even the seemingly secure world of online fame, leaving the family and her vast online community in mourning for the beloved Miss Mercedes Moor.
