Grandfather Kills Nine Family Members in Pennsylvania Murder-Suicide
Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential mental health situation after the shooter died by suicide.
A 45-year-old grandfather fatally shot nine of his family members, including children, before taking his own life in a horrific mass murder-suicide Friday evening in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Authorities responded to a ShotSpotter alert reporting two gunshots on the street where the incident occurred. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of two women, ages 37 and 51, outside the home. Inside, they found additional deceased individuals, including a 19-year-old male, a 21-year-old male, and a 44-year-old female. The shooter, whose identity has not been released pending family notification, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Among the victims were the shooter's 24-year-old pregnant daughter, Angelina Stone, and her unborn child, Kyrie, who was due to be born Wednesday. Also killed were Stone's two other young children, 5-year-old Isaiah and Amari'anna, who was nearly two years old. These three children were the shooter's grandchildren.
Friends of the family, identified as Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, also died in the incident. According to GoFundMe pages established to support the victims' families, Roberts and Tanner were attempting to protect the children when they were fatally shot. Video surveillance reportedly captured gunfire inside the home before two distressed women began banging on the front door, after which the shooter emerged and fatally shot them before returning inside and ending his own life.
The Erie Police Department is leading the investigation. While details are still emerging, police indicated they believe the incident may be related to mental health issues. The identities of all victims and the shooter are being withheld as surviving family members are notified.