Man Kills Nine Family Members in Pennsylvania Murder-Suicide
Authorities responded to a report of gunshots and discovered multiple victims inside and outside a residence.
A man identified as Matthew Stone Sr., 45, killed nine of his relatives, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and an unborn baby, before taking his own life in Erie, Pennsylvania. The victims also included Stone's sister-in-law and a family friend who were present at the home.
Erie Police were alerted to the incident by a ShotSpotter activation indicating two gunshots. Responding officers found two women deceased outside the residence. Upon entering the home, they discovered the bodies of five other adults and two young children. Stone was found deceased on the second floor, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.
Investigators recovered audio and video evidence suggesting muffled gunshots were heard from inside the house shortly before the two women arrived. The gunman then emerged and shot them as they attempted to flee.
Among the deceased were Stone's wife, Michelle Stone, 44; their sons, Jonathan Stone, 19, and Matthew Stone Jr., 21; and their pregnant daughter, Angelina Stone, 24. Angelina Stone's unborn child, Kyrie, who was due to be born that week, and her two young children, 5-year-old Isaiah and 1-year-old Amari'anna, were also killed. Michelle's sister, Lora Roberts, 37, and family friend Twila Tanner, 51, were reportedly attempting to protect the children.
One of the victims, Lora Roberts, was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries. The other victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah stated that while the motive remains under investigation, mental health could be a contributing factor. He noted that Stone Sr. had prior interactions with the police department, with the last recorded incident believed to be in 2022. Investigators are examining cell phones and interviewing relatives to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin expressed her condolences to the victims' families, stating, "What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier. Our entire community is with you. We're grieving with you. And we are here to support you."