A man killed eight people, including a pregnant woman, children and other relatives, at his home in Erie, Pennsylvania, before also killing himself, authorities said Saturday.
Police first responded to a home on Perry Street in Erie on Friday, October 9, around 5 p.m., after witnesses reported seeing a gunman firing shots outside the home before entering the residence.
When police arrived, they found two women who had been shot in the street.
The shootout turned into a standoff as Erie police and SWAT teams surrounded the home. More gunshots were then heard inside the house. When police entered, they found the bodies of seven other people, including children, as well as that of the shooter, who died from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to investigators.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes he has ever experienced.
“The loss of life is devastating and the circumstances in which we operate are deeply troubling,” said Chief Lorah. “At this time, we can confirm that the suspect is deceased. Based on the information we currently have, there is no ongoing threat to the public. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words to adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here.”
Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the shooting.
“We will not speculate on motive, or at least information that could compromise this investigation,” Chief Lorah said. “It’s just a devastating loss of life. It’s a terrible, terrible scene at this point, and we just need time to piece together what happened here.”
The Associated Press and Report for America contributed.
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