Friends Killed in Pennsylvania Murder-Suicide Identified as Victims Who Rushed to Scene

Two victims of a devastating murder-suicide in Erie, Pennsylvania, that claimed nine lives, including two children and a pregnant woman, have been identified as friends who bravely rushed to the scene. Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, were killed by the 45-year-old grandfather responsible for the massacre on Friday night, according to online fundraising campaigns.

Roberts, a mother of five, and Tanner, who had children and grandchildren, went to the home on Perry Road to try and protect Roberts' niece when the violence erupted. Loved ones stated in GoFundMe campaigns that the two women were trying to intervene when they were fatally shot.

The two friends are believed to have been the last victims before the gunman took his own life. Evidence gathered by investigators indicates that Roberts and Tanner pounded on the door of the home after hearing gunshots inside. The gunman then exited the residence and shot them before returning inside to commit suicide.

Among the other victims was Angelina Stone, identified as the killer's pregnant daughter, who was reportedly days away from giving birth to her third child. Stone's two other children, 5-year-old Isiah and nearly 2-year-old Amari’anna, were also killed in the attack.

Authorities are still in the process of identifying the remaining victims and notifying their next of kin. Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the violence, though Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah suggested that mental health may be a factor. Police stated that all nine victims, with the exception of a family friend believed to be Tanner, were relatives of the perpetrator.