ERIE, Pa. — Ten people, including two children, a woman who was eight months pregnant and her unborn child are dead following a shooting near East 7th and Perry streets in the City of Erie Friday evening.
The death toll includes nine victims and the suspected shooter, according to Erie police. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook confirmed Saturday afternoon to Erie News Now that the death toll now includes an unborn child.
Police said officers responded around 4:53 p.m. to a ShotSpotter alert indicating two gunshots in the 700 block of Perry Street. Officers arrived within minutes and found two women dead outside a residence.
Investigators said video evidence and witness accounts show the two women had arrived at the residence appearing distressed and sought help from neighbors. Police believe gunfire had already occurred inside the home before the suspected shooter came outside and fatally shot both women.
When officers arrived, they did not know whether the suspect remained inside, whether there was an ongoing threat or whether additional people, including children, were in danger.
Police worked to gather information while seeking a search warrant. After attempts to contact anyone inside failed, officers deployed drones. SWAT officers later breached multiple doors and used a robot to assess the home before entering.
Investigators have determined that all eight victims had been killed and the suspected shooter had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before police arrived. No gunshots were fired after officers reached the scene.
Police Chief Rick Lorah said sounds heard during the tactical response that were initially believed to be gunfire were actually flash-bang devices and chemical munitions used by SWAT.
The victims include two women, ages 51 and 37, who were found outside the home.
Inside, police found a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year, 10-month-old girl on the first floor. A 24-year-old woman, a 44-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were found on the second floor and stairwell.
The suspected shooter, a 45-year-old man, was found dead on the second floor with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said a firearm was recovered from his person.
Police have not released the identities of those killed or discussed a possible motive.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and the details are difficult,” Lorah said. “But it’s important that our community understands what happened, what our officers encountered when they arrived, and what we have learned through our investigation so far.”
Mayor Daria Devlin expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the broader community.
“I want to start by speaking directly to the families who lost loved ones last night. I am so deeply sorry,” Devlin said. “What happened was horrific, and I know there is nothing I can say today that will make this any easier.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he spoke with Devlin and offered the support of his administration.
“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,” Shapiro said. “My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community.”
The City of Erie is coordinating with UPMC Crisis Services, AHN Behavioral Health, local schools and other community organizations to provide trauma support and other assistance to families, neighbors, students and first responders.
“The trauma of an event like this doesn’t end when the scene is cleared or the headlines fade,” Devlin said. “Grief affects people differently, and the need for support may emerge in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Stay with Erie News Now for the latest information as it becomes available.