|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
ERIE, Pa. (BFMG) — Authorities in Erie, Pennsylvania, have released new details about Friday’s mass shooting that left nine people dead, including two young children, a woman who was eight months pregnant and the suspected gunman.
During a Saturday afternoon press conference, Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah confirmed that eight victims were killed before the suspected shooter, a 45-year-old man, apparently turned the gun on himself.
The October 9 shooting occurred at a residence near 7th and Perry Streets on Erie’s East Side.
Investigators also clarified several details about the police response, confirming that all nine individuals were dead before officers arrived and that no additional gunshots were fired during the subsequent SWAT operation.
“Our investigation is ongoing, and the details are difficult,” Lorah said. “But it’s important that our community understands what happened, what our officers encountered when they arrived, and what we have learned through our investigation so far.”
NEW DETAILS ABOUT THE SHOOTING
According to investigators, Erie police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert at approximately 4:53 p.m. Friday, indicating that two gunshots had been detected in the 700 block of Perry Street.
Officers arrived within minutes and discovered two women dead outside a residence.
Police identified the victims by age as (51) and (37).
Investigators reviewing surveillance video and witness statements determined that the two women had arrived at the residence appearing distressed and had sought help from neighbors.
Authorities believe gunfire had already occurred inside the home before the suspected shooter exited the residence and fatally shot both women.
When officers arrived, they had limited information about what had happened inside the home, whether the suspected gunman was still present or whether additional people, including children, remained in danger.
Police began securing the area while attempting to establish contact with anyone inside.
SWAT RESPONSE AND SEARCH OF HOME
As the investigation unfolded, officers worked to obtain a search warrant while gathering information about the potential threat inside the residence.
After repeated attempts to establish contact were unsuccessful, police deployed drones to assess conditions inside the home.
SWAT officers subsequently breached multiple doors and deployed a tactical robot to examine the interior before entering the residence.
Inside, authorities discovered six additional victims and the suspected shooter.
Police now say sounds initially reported as additional gunfire during the standoff were actually flash-bang devices and chemical munitions deployed by tactical officers.
Investigators have determined that all eight victims were killed before law enforcement arrived.
The suspected gunman also died before officers reached the scene, according to police.
Authorities recovered a firearm from the suspected shooter’s body.
VICTIMS INCLUDE TWO CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMAN
During Saturday’s press conference, investigators provided the ages and locations of the eight homicide victims.
Two women, ages (51) and (37), were discovered outside the residence.
Inside the home, officers found two young children on the first floor: a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year, 10-month-old girl.
Four additional victims were located on the second floor and stairwell.
They included a 24-year-old woman, a 44-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man.
Authorities also confirmed that one of the female victims was eight months pregnant. Officials did not specify which woman was pregnant.
The suspected shooter, identified only as a 45-year-old man, was discovered dead on the second floor with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The identities of the victims and suspected gunman have not yet been publicly released in the city’s statement.
Investigators have also not disclosed a possible motive or explained the relationships between the individuals involved.
MAYOR ADDRESSES COMMUNITY
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin addressed the tragedy during Saturday’s press conference, offering condolences to the families of those killed.
“I want to start by speaking directly to the families who lost loved ones last night. I am so deeply sorry,” Devlin said.
“What happened was horrific, and I know there is nothing I can say today that will make this any easier. But I want you to know that our entire community is thinking of you, grieving with you, and here to support you.”
Devlin, who grew up on Erie’s East Side, acknowledged the impact of the shooting on residents, responding officers and emergency personnel.
The city is coordinating with local healthcare providers, schools and community organizations to provide counseling, trauma support and other resources to those affected.
“The trauma of an event like this doesn’t end when the scene is cleared or the headlines fade,” Devlin said.
“Grief affects people differently, and the need for support may emerge in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We will continue listening to what families and neighbors need and working to make those resources accessible.”
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AVAILABLE
The City of Erie announced that counseling and crisis services are available for families, neighbors, students and first responders impacted by the shooting.
Residents seeking assistance can contact UPMC Crisis Services at 814-456-2014. Services are available 24 hours a day.
Additional support is available through AHN Behavioral Health at 814-866-8484.
The mayor also encouraged residents to respect the privacy of grieving families and avoid circulating unverified information about the tragedy.
“We cannot undo what happened, and we cannot take away the grief these families are carrying. But we can make sure they do not have to carry it alone,” Devlin said.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The Erie Police Department says investigators are continuing to examine evidence, review video footage and interview witnesses to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting.
While police have confirmed the deaths of eight victims and the suspected shooter, authorities have not yet established a publicly disclosed motive.
Additional details, including the victims’ identities and their relationships to the suspected gunman, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing story.
