ERIE, Pa. — Eight people and the suspected gunman died after a shooting at an Erie home Friday evening, Oct. 9, in a tragedy that included two young children and a pregnant woman, authorities said.
Police responded near East 7th and Perry streets shortly before 5 p.m. after a ShotSpotter alert. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the 45-year-old gunman was related to seven of the eight victims. The eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman. Authorities have not publicly released the gunman’s name or confirmed a motive.
Investigators said video and audio evidence captured gunfire inside the home before two women arrived and knocked on the door. The gunman came outside and shot them, then returned inside, police said. Both women died outside the residence.
Fundraising campaigns have identified the women as Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51. Reports say they went to the home to help a family member. Police have not formally released the victims’ names.
Inside the home, officers later found a 5-year-old boy, a 1-year-old girl, two women and two young men dead. The suspected gunman was found upstairs with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. One of the women was 24 and eight months pregnant.
Police said all the deaths occurred before officers arrived. Officials also clarified that no additional gunshots were fired after police reached the scene; sounds mistaken for gunfire were flash-bang devices used during the tactical response.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not announced a motive, and Lorah said investigators are reviewing evidence and speaking with relatives. Erie officials have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information as families grieve.
The total of nine includes the suspected gunman. Police have not confirmed whether the unborn child is included in the official victim count.
