Erie man kills 8 family members and neighbor before suicide

Key points

Matthew Stone, 45, opened fire at his home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 9, killing six family members and two neighbors before committing suicide.

Victims included Stone’s wife Michelle Stone, 44; his sons Matthew Jr., 21, and Jonathan Stone, 19; and his pregnant daughter Angelina Stone, 24, who was due to give birth on October 12.

Two other children, a 5-year-old boy and a nearly 2-year-old girl named Amari’anna, were also killed inside the home; both were related to the shooter.

Neighbors Twila A. Tanner, 51, and Lora Lee Roberts, 37, were fatally shot outside the residence.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook confirmed the death toll and identities, while investigators have not released a motive but are examining mental health as a potential factor.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of domestic mass shootings in the U.S., such as the Minneapolis apartment shooting in September 2026, where a gunman killed two residents during a custody dispute. In Erie, community members expressed shock, noting Stone appeared to be a normal family patriarch with no prior signs of violence. Earlier archive coverage from October 12, 2026, confirmed the core facts of the Erie shooting, including the victim count and the shooter’s suicide.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and AP News both report the total death toll as nine, including the shooter, and confirm the identities of the victims. NBC News emphasizes the tragic timing of Angelina Stone’s pregnancy, noting her unborn child was due on the day of the report. AP News provides a similar factual account but does not highlight the pregnancy detail as prominently. Yahoo News focuses on the personal impact, quoting the father of the slain toddler, Ezekiel, who described the act as 'sickening' and expressed disbelief that Stone would harm his own family. All sources agree that no motive has been confirmed, though investigators are looking into mental health.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic mass shootings, where a single individual can kill multiple family members and neighbors. The inclusion of a pregnant victim and young children underscores the vulnerability of families in such incidents. It also raises questions about the role of mental health in violent crimes and the need for better support systems to prevent such tragedies.

What to watch

Investigators will continue to examine the shooter’s mental health and any potential motives. The community may hold memorial services for the victims, and local authorities may review safety measures in the area. There is no indication of further violence or ongoing investigations beyond the initial response.