Erie gunman kills 8 family members, including pregnant woman

A 45‑year‑old gunman in Erie, Pennsylvania, killed eight family members, including a pregnant woman and two children, before taking his own life in a shooting that police described as devastating.

Victims ranged from a 1‑year‑10‑month‑old child to a 51‑year‑old woman. Two women, aged 51 and 37, were found dead outside the house. Inside the Perry Street home police discovered a 5‑year‑old boy, a girl nearly two years old, and four adults: two women, 24 and 44, and two men, 19 and 21. An eighth victim was eight months pregnant. A ninth victim, a family friend, was also killed.

Police responded around 5 p.m. after hearing a gunman firing a handgun outside. A .40‑caliber handgun registered to the suspect was found on his body. Officers arrived within minutes of a ShotSpotter alert, but heard no gunfire or cries for help. They used drones and a robot to assess the scene before SWAT officers forced entry. All nine victims and the suspect died before officers entered; no gunfire was fired after the officers arrived.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the motive was unclear but suggested mental health may be a factor. He declined to discuss details inside the home out of respect for the victims. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say there is no threat to the public. Mental‑health resources are available for those in distress.