ERIE, PA — Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook on Monday, October 12, identified the man authorities say shot and killed eight people at a home in Erie on Friday, along with six adult victims. Two children were also killed. Police say the alleged gunman died by suicide. Investigators have not announced a motive.
What authorities have confirmed
The coroner identified the alleged gunman as Matthew Stone Sr., 45. The six adult victims named by Cook are Michelle Stone, Angelina Stone, Jonathan Stone, Matthew Stone, Lora Roberts and Twila Tanner. Officials also confirmed the deaths of a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl. Angelina Stone was pregnant; the death of her unborn child was also reported by the coroner.
Police have said most of the victims were members of the same family. Roberts and Tanner were found outside the home. The violence occurred Friday, October 9, in the area of East Seventh and Perry streets.
Motive remains unknown
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah has said investigators are examining the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including communications involving the victims. Although investigators may consider multiple possibilities, no motive has been established publicly. Reports about possible personal or psychological factors are not findings about why the attack occurred.
Community response
Relatives and neighbors have gathered to mourn the victims. Erie Mayor Daria Devlin expressed condolences and said the city is grieving with the affected families. State officials also responded to the shooting.
What SNN will follow: any official investigative update, confirmed timeline, and community recovery resources. The reported total is eight people killed by the gunman, plus the gunman’s death; the loss of an unborn child is separately acknowledged in coroner reporting.
Sources: TalkErie: Coroner releases victims’ and shooter’s identities, October 12; Associated Press, October 12; Reuters, October 10.
