Grandfather Massacres Nine Family Members in Erie Home
Chilling doorbell video captures moments of terror as gunshots erupt from the residence.
A grandfather identified as Matthew Stone Sr., 45, killed nine people, including three generations of his family and two family friends, before taking his own life on Friday evening in Erie, Pennsylvania. The massacre unfolded shortly before 5 p.m. in a home on the city's east side.
Harrowing doorbell footage obtained by Your Erie captured the terrifying moments as people screamed and ran for their lives amid the gunfire. The video shows two women running across a yard towards the home to investigate a commotion. Suddenly, one of them screams, “Oh my God!” as children’s screams are heard in the background. The women then sprint back across the lawn away from the shots.
Victims Identified
Among the victims were Stone's wife, Michelle Stone, 44, and three of their children: Matthew Stone Jr., 21, Jonathan Stone, 19, and Angelina Stone, 24. Angelina Stone was reportedly due to give birth this Wednesday to her third child, Kyrie, who was also among the deceased. Angelina's two other children, 5-year-old Isiah and 1-year-old Amari’anna, were also killed.
Two additional victims, Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, were identified as friends who were killed. Police noted that Roberts was a frequent visitor to the home and had been assisting during Angelina’s pregnancy, while Tanner was the only non-relative caught in the violence.
Investigation Underway
The motive behind the mass shooting remains under investigation, with authorities considering mental health as a potential factor. Investigators are interviewing relatives to understand the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
According to police, footage showed gunshots being fired inside the home before Roberts and Tanner approached the residence appearing distressed and banged on the door. Stone Sr. then emerged from the house and shot them before returning inside, where he later died by suicide in an upstairs area. Police discovered the victims in various locations within the home and on the property.