Erie Mass Shooting Claims Eight Lives Including Gunman
Matthew Stone, 45, shot and killed six family members and two visitors at his home on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday, Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook told NBC News. The victims inside the residence included Stone’s wife, Michelle Stone, 44; their pregnant daughter, Angelina K. Stone, 24; and sons Matthew Stone Jr., 21, and Jonathan Stone, 19. Angelina Stone was due to give birth on Monday, according to the coroner. Two other related children—a 5-year-old boy and a nearly 2-year-old girl—were also found killed inside the home.
Outside the Perry Street Residence
Two additional victims, Twila A. Tanner, 51, and Lora Lee Roberts, 37, were fatally shot outside the house, Cook stated. Roberts was Michelle Stone’s sister and went to the residence on Friday at Angelina Stone’s request because she needed a ride to the hospital, according to family friend Christine Tombaugh. Tanner, a friend and neighbor of Roberts, accompanied her to the home.
Grief and Unanswered Questions
Juicesiyah Alexander Ezekiel, the father of the 20-month-old victim, told NBC affiliate WICU that he is struggling to understand the shooting. The youngest victim, Amari’anna, was scheduled to turn two the following month. Bystanders gathered near the active crime scene on Perry Street as local authorities and emergency responders investigated the multi-victim homicide, according to reporting from the Erie-Times News.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Erie Investigation
What caused the shooting on Perry Street?
Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook confirmed the timeline of the gunman’s suicide and the recovery of the victims’ bodies from the scene on Friday.
Who were the individuals killed outside the home?
Lora Lee Roberts and Twila A. Tanner were shot outside the residence. Roberts had arrived at the property to provide transportation to the hospital for Angelina Stone, accompanied by her friend and neighbor Tanner.
How many total fatalities resulted from the incident?
The tragedy resulted in nine deaths total, including the gunman Matthew Stone. Six family members died inside the Perry Street house, two women were killed outside, and the shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.