Authorities have released the names of six adult victims killed in a mass shooting at a family home in Erie, Pennsylvania. The October 9 incident claimed a total of nine lives, including two young children and an unborn baby, before the suspected gunman died by .
The Erie County Coroner released the identities of the adult victims on October 12, following the tragedy on the city’s east side. According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, the identified adults are Twila Tanner, 51; Angelina Stone, 24, who was eight months pregnant; Jonathan Stone, 19; Matthew Stone Jr., 21; Michelle Stone, 44; and Lora Roberts, 37. The Erie Bureau of Police previously identified the suspected shooter as 45-year-old Matthew Stone Sr.
Timeline and Details of the Erie Shooting
According to Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah, the city’s ShotSpotter system and multiple 911 calls alerted law enforcement to the property on the 700 block of Perry Street at 4:53 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. Officers arrived at the scene in under three minutes.
Upon arrival, police discovered two gunshot victims-identified as Tanner and Roberts-fatally wounded outside the residence. Investigators reviewing surveillance footage from a neighboring home determined that the gunman shot six victims inside the house, came outside to shoot the two women, and then re-entered the home where he fatally shot himself. All shots were fired before police arrived.
In total, eight of the victims were related to the suspect, including a 5-year-old boy, a 22-month-old girl, and 24-year-old Angelina Stone. The ninth victim was a family friend.
Ongoing Investigation Into a Motive
Erie police and local officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence. Investigators recovered a registered .40-caliber handgun from the suspect at the scene, along with cell phones that are currently being analyzed to help determine a potential motive.
Chief Lorah noted that mental health appears to have played a role in the tragedy, though officials have emphasized that it is still too early to confirm an exact motive. Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz has urged the public to rely on official updates rather than spreading unverified rumors or speculation during the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania occur?
The mass shooting took place on Friday, Oct. 9, with police responding to the scene at approximately 4:53 p.m.
Where did the incident happen?
The shooting occurred at a family home located in the 700 block of Perry Street on Erie’s east side.
How many people were killed?
Nine people died in the incident, including the 45-year-old male suspect, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Who were the victims identified by the coroner?
The Erie County Coroner identified six adult victims: Twila Tanner, 51; Angelina Stone, 24; Jonathan Stone, 19; Matthew Stone Jr., 21; Michelle Stone, 44; and Lora Roberts, 37. Two young children and an unborn child were also among the victims, though their names were withheld due to their ages.
Was the suspect related to the victims?
Yes, authorities stated that the suspect was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth victim was a family friend.
