Erie coroner releases names in mass shooting that killed nine, including two toddlers
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook released the names of the gunman and six adult victims in the October 9 mass shooting at a home on Perry Street. Matthew Stone Sr., 45, killed eight people, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, before taking his own life. The victims included a pregnant woman due to give birth on Monday and two young children. Police arrived within minutes but found all victims already dead. Authorities have not determined a motive but suggested mental health may be a factor. The community is mourning the loss of nine lives, with family members describing the scene as horrific.
Key points
- Matthew Stone Sr., 45, identified as the gunman, killed eight people at a home on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 9.
- Victims included his wife Michelle Stone, 44; children Angelina Stone, 24, Jonathan Stone, 19, and Matthew Stone Jr., 21; and grandchildren, a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl.
- Two non-relative victims, Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, were shot outside the home after arriving in distress.
- Angelina Stone was pregnant and due to give birth on Monday, the day after the shooting.
- Police arrived within three minutes of the ShotSpotter alert but found all victims already dead.
- Matthew Stone Sr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on the second floor of the home.
Background
The October 9 mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, left nine people dead, including the gunman. Matthew Stone Sr., 45, killed eight people, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, before taking his own life. Authorities ruled the deaths as homicides and suicide, with no motive determined yet. The community is mourning the loss of nine lives, with family members describing the scene as horrific. The shooting has raised concerns about gun violence and mental health in the area.
How outlets are covering it
AP News and CBS News reported on the release of names by Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, emphasizing the family connections and the tragic loss of life. WTAE highlighted the details of the shooting, including the victims' ages and the gunman's suicide. Erie Times-News provided a timeline of the shooting and the police response, noting that all shots were fired before police arrived. All sources agreed on the basic facts but differed in emphasis, with WTAE focusing on the family connections and CBS News highlighting the community response.
Why it matters
The release of names in the Erie mass shooting brings a human face to the tragedy, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The case underscores the need for mental health support and gun safety measures. The community is mourning the loss of nine lives, with family members describing the scene as horrific. The shooting has raised concerns about gun violence and mental health in the area, prompting calls for action and support for victims' families.
What to watch
Investigators will continue to examine cellphones and other evidence to determine a possible motive. The community is expected to hold memorial events for the victims. Authorities will likely release more information as the investigation progresses. The case may lead to increased scrutiny of gun safety and mental health support in the area.
- Authorities name the attacker and most of the 8 victims in last week’s Erie mass shooting AP News
- Victims identified | Erie mass shooting gunman shot pregnant daughter, 6 others WTAE
- Here's what we know about the Erie, Pennsylvania, mass shooting victims CBS News
- Father Mourns Death of Daughter Following Mass Shooting on Perry Street Erie News Now
- Here are the facts so far about Erie mass shooting that left 9 dead Erie Times-News
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