The Erie community continues to grieve after a tragic mass shooting on Perry Street claimed the lives of 10 people, including two children and an unborn baby, in what authorities have described as one of the deadliest incidents in the city’s history.<\/p>\n
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According to Erie Police, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Perry Street at approximately 4:53 p.m. on October 9 after a ShotSpotter alert detected two gunshots in the area.<\/p>\n
When officers arrived, they discovered two women deceased outside a residence. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook later identified them on October 12 as 51-year-old Twila Tanner, a family friend, and 37-year-old Lora Roberts, an aunt to one of the victims.<\/p>\n
Investigators stated video evidence and witness statements showed Tanner and Roberts arriving at the home appearing distressed and seeking help from neighbors. Police say the shooting had already occurred inside the residence before the suspected gunman, later identified as Matthew Stone Sr., emerged from the home.<\/p>\n
Authorities initially faced significant uncertainty upon arrival. According to police they did not know whether the suspect remained inside, whether there was an active threat, or if additional victims were trapped in the residence. As officers secured the area, they repeatedly called out to anyone inside but received no response.<\/p>\n
Police Chief Rick Lorah later clarified that sounds initially believed to be additional gunfire during the response were flash-bang devices and chemical munitions deployed by SWAT.<\/p>\n
While investigators worked to obtain a search warrant, specialized resources were brought in to assess the scene. Drones were deployed around the property, while robots were sent into the residence to help determine conditions inside before officers entered.<\/p>\n
Using the technology, police determined that everyone inside the home had died.<\/p>\n
Cook identified the victims found inside the residence and on the stairwell as 44-year-old Michelle Stone, 24-year-old Angelina Stone, 21-year-old Matthew Stone Jr., and 19-year-old Jonathan Stone. Angelina Stone was eight months pregnant and reportedly expected to give birth soon after the shooting, according to Cook.<\/p>\n
The victims also included a 5-year-old boy, a 1-year 10-month-old girl, and Angelina Stone’s unborn child. Police said the two young children were found downstairs in the home.<\/p>\n
Investigators identified Matthew Stone Sr. as the suspected shooter. He was discovered inside the residence with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said a firearm was recovered from his person.<\/p>\n
The day after the shooting, Erie officials held a press conference addressing the tragedy. Mayor Daria Devlin offered condolences to the victims’ families and the broader community. The entire conference can be found online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also pledged support to Erie officials and those affected by the violence.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Among those mourning was Juicesiyah Alexander Ezekiel, the father of the 1-year-10-month-old victim.<\/p>\n “I wouldn’t even put this on my worst enemy,” Ezekiel said. “It’s sickening.”<\/p>\n As investigators continued their work, the community shifted its focus toward healing. A vigil held Saturday evening brought together family members, friends, neighbors, and supporters to honor those who lost their lives.<\/p>\n Flowers, candles, prayers, and embraces filled the block as mourners gathered in remembrance. Vigil organizer and family member Lisa Simmer said the white and purple colors chosen for the memorial symbolized sending the victims off with light amid overwhelming darkness.<\/p>\n While the investigation remains ongoing, community members say the outpouring of support has demonstrated Erie’s resolve to stand together in the aftermath of an unimaginable loss.<\/p>\n Several GoFundMe pages were posted for the victims and their families including Angelina Stone and her three children, Lora Roberts, and Twila Tanner all of which can be found online below:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
GoFundMe has verified two fundraisers supporting victims of the East Erie Shooting that occurred on October 9.<\/p>\n On October 13 newly published obituaries shared more information about the victims. Information about these arrangements can be found online below:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
They were among the 10 lives lost in the shooting near East 7th and Perry streets.<\/p>\n The City of Erie has provided several resources for not only the community but those directly affected, and more information can be found below:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
As the community continues to process what happened, the officers who responded to the mass shooting on Friday night are also working through the trauma.<\/p>\n
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