Erie police: Gunman kills seven relatives and friend before suicide
Police in Erie, Pennsylvania, say a gunman fatally shot seven relatives and a friend at a residence on Friday evening. The deceased ranged in age from 22 months to 44 years and included two young children and a pregnant woman. The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before officers arrived, authorities said.
Erie police said officers were sent shortly before 5 p.m. Friday after a ShotSpotter alert detected two shots. Two women, ages 51 and 37, were found dead outside. A neighbor’s doorbell recording appeared to show them seeking help before gunfire was heard and the suspect shot them, the chief said.
Inside, SWAT officers entered through several doors and deployed a robot. Authorities found victims including a 5-year-old boy and a 22-month-old girl on the first floor. One victim was eight months pregnant. Eight of the dead, including the shooter, were relatives; one woman outside was a family friend.
The killings may deepen grief and trauma among relatives, neighbors, and first responders in Erie. Because multiple children and a pregnant woman were among the dead, the case could heighten public concern about household gun violence and family safety. It may also renew local discussions about crisis intervention and community support, though the investigation’s findings will shape how those conversations develop.