World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Eight killed by gunman in Erie, Pennsylvania; shooter dies by suicide
A 45-year-old man killed eight people at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, then took his own life.
The victims included a pregnant woman, a one-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy.
Police say the gunman was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman.
The victims’ identities have not been made public.
The father of the one-year-old girl said the gunman had seemed cheerful and showed no obvious signs of distress.
Police have not stated a motive and say they are continuing to investigate, including by speaking with relatives and examining phones belonging to the two women killed outside the home.
Officials have urged the public not to spread unverified claims as the families and community grieve.
A 45-year-old man killed eight people at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, and then took his own life, authorities said.
The gunman was related to seven of the victims, while the eighth was a friend of a pregnant woman who was killed.
The victims included children aged one and five, a pregnant woman and other relatives.
Police said two women arrived at the home shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, after gunshots were heard inside, and the gunman shot them outside.
Authorities have not released the names of the gunman or victims and have not stated a motive.
- Who
- A 45-year-old man killed eight people and then took his own life. He was related to seven victims.
- What
- A shooting at a home left eight people and the suspected gunman dead.
- When
- Shortly before 5 p.m. Friday; the articles do not state the calendar date consistently.
- Where
- A home in Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Why
- Not stated. Police declined to discuss a motive and said the investigation was continuing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I think that was a front for him,
They knew something was going on at that house,
I am so deeply sorry. What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier,
Please do not allow rumors, speculation or unverified information to add to the pain that these families are already experiencing,
Investigators said muffled gunshots were heard inside the home before two distressed women arrived and pounded on the door.
The gunman came outside and shot them, then returned inside.
Officers found the two women dead outside, then used a drone and robot to enter the home and find the other victims and the gunman.
Mourners placed candles, flowers and stuffed animals outside the home, where Julius Windham spoke at a memorial.
- Deaths
- Eight victims and the 45-year-old gunman
- Victims’ relationship to gunman
- Related to seven; the eighth was a friend of the pregnant woman
- Children killed
- A 1-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy
- Location
- Erie, Pennsylvania, about 120 miles north of Pittsburgh
- Police response
- Officers arrived within minutes of a ShotSpotter alert
Sources
Pennsylvania shooter who killed eight was a grandfather, says slain child’s dad
Pennsylvania mass shooter was family patriarch, slain toddler’s dad says
Shooting leaves 9 dead including suspect in Erie, Pennsylvania, police say
Erie gunman killed eight including pregnant woman and two children before barricading himself inside home in SWAT standoff as police say rampage is 'most heartbreaking scene they've ever encountered'
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