ERIE, Pa. — Eight people, including two young children and a pregnant woman, were killed in a shooting at an Erie home Friday afternoon, authorities said. The suspected gunman also died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing the total number of deaths to nine.
Erie police were sent to the 700 block of Perry Street at about 4:53 p.m. on Oct. 9 after a ShotSpotter alert indicated two gunshots, according to a City of Erie statement released after a Saturday news conference. Officers found two women, ages 51 and 37, dead outside the residence.
Investigators said six more victims were found inside: a 5-year-old boy, a 1-year-and-10-month-old girl, women ages 24 and 44, and men ages 19 and 21. Police said the 24-year-old woman was eight months pregnant. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook later ruled the deaths of the eight victims and the woman’s unborn child homicides, the Erie Times-News reported.
Police Chief Rick Lorah said evidence indicates all eight victims had been killed before officers arrived and no shots were fired after police reached the scene. Seven of the victims were members of one family and the eighth was a family friend, ABC News reported.
The 45-year-old suspected gunman, who police said was related to the family, was found on the second floor. Authorities had not released the names of the victims or suspect as of Saturday night while officials continued notifying relatives. Police also said no motive had been established and the investigation remained active.
The response drew questions about the time officers took before entering the house. Lorah said officers initially had limited information about conditions inside and heard no further gunfire or calls for help. Police sought a warrant, attempted to contact anyone inside and used drones and a robot before a SWAT team entered. Investigators later determined the shooting was over before the first officers arrived.
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin said the city is coordinating trauma assistance with local health systems, schools and community organizations. UPMC Crisis Services is available around the clock at 814-456-2014, and AHN Behavioral Health can be reached at 814-866-8484.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had spoken with Devlin and offered state support. Residents gathered Saturday evening for a memorial honoring those killed.
