ERIE, Pa. —
A pregnant woman and two young children were among eight victims killed in a shooting at an Erie home on Friday before the suspected gunman took his own life, according to police.
Erie officials released details about the shooting during a news conference Saturday. Authorities have not identified a possible motive.
Police respond to ShotSpotter alert
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said officers responded to a home near East Seventh and Perry streets around 4:55 p.m. Friday after receiving a ShotSpotter alert.
Officers found two women, ages 51 and 37, dead outside the residence, Lorah said.
Surveillance video from a neighboring property showed the women appearing distressed when they arrived and knocking on neighbors’ doors in an apparent attempt to get help, according to Lorah. The video appeared to show the gunman calling to the women before shooting them, the chief said.
When officers arrived, they encountered what Lorah described as an “eerie silence.”
Police did not know whether the gunman or other people remained inside the home, Lorah said. Officers were unable to establish contact with anyone inside while they waited for a search warrant.
A SWAT team later used a robot to search the residence and located a victim inside, according to Lorah. Officers then entered the home.
Seven victims related to gunman
Police said all eight victims had been shot before officers arrived. The victims and suspected gunman were identified by their ages:
51-year-old woman37-year-old woman1-year-old girl5-year-old boy19-year-old man21-year-old man24-year-old pregnant woman44-year-old woman45-year-old gunman, who had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound
Seven of the eight victims were related to the gunman, according to police. Everyone found inside the residence lived there, Lorah said. One of the women killed outside was a family friend.
When asked whether the pregnant woman’s unborn child could have survived, Lorah said too much time had passed between the woman’s death and the discovery of her body.
‘It was horrific’
Lorah said police did not release the number of deaths until Saturday because the department’s immediate priority was assuring the public that there was no ongoing threat. It also took officers time to determine how many victims were inside the home, he said.
“It was horrific,” Lorah said. “It was the worst scene I have ever experienced.”
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin said officials wanted to confirm the number of deaths before releasing the information and avoid giving surviving family members an incorrect count.
Father remembers daughter
Juicesiyah Alexander Ezekiel, father of one of the victims described the hurt caused by the shooting.
“I wouldn’t even put this on my worst enemy, man. It’s sickening,” said Ezekiel. “Her name is Amari’anna. She’s the most beautiful baby God could have created.”
Family members and friends of the victims are raising money to help pay for funeral expenses.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
District attorney cautions against misinformation
Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz offered condolences to the victims’ families and recognized the law enforcement officers who responded to the shooting.
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim,” Hirz said. “We are keeping the victims, the families and everyone affected by this tragedy in our thoughts and our prayers.”
Hirz also urged community members not to spread rumors or unverified information about the shooting.
“Please do not allow rumors, speculation or unverified information to add to the pain these families are already experiencing,” Hirz said. “Sharing unconfirmed reports, repeating rumors and drawing conclusions before the facts are established helps no one.”
City offers support and crisis resources
Devlin offered the city’s support to the victims’ families and others affected by the shooting.
“I am so deeply sorry,” Devlin said. “What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier. But you do need to know that our entire community is with you, grieving with you, and we are here to support you.”
Devlin also thanked Erie police officers for their response.
“They arrived at a horrific scene, faced unimaginable circumstances and carried out their duties with courage and professionalism,” Devlin said. “We are deeply grateful for their service and their commitment to keeping our community safe.”
The city is working with UPMC Crisis Services, Allegheny Health Network Behavioral Health and other community organizations to provide resources to affected families and residents, according to Devlin.
UPMC Crisis Services is available 24 hours a day at 814-456-2014. Allegheny Health Network Behavioral Health can be reached at 814-866-8484.
Shapiro responds
Gov. Josh Shapiro reacted to the shooting on X, saying:
This content is imported from x. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
I’ve spoken with Mayor Devlin and offered my Administration’s full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night — killing nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians.
My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) October 10, 2026
Timeline