Erie, Pennsylvania — A pregnant woman who was just four days away from giving birth was among nine people killed in a shooting at a Pennsylvania home, according to reports. The victims included her two young children, other family members and a family friend, leaving loved ones grieving multiple generations of one family.
The shooting occurred at a residence in Erie at around 5 p.m. local time on Friday, October 9. Police responded within minutes of receiving an alert, but investigators said all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived.
The tragedy has devastated the victims’ loved ones as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
Pregnant Woman and Her Children Among the Victims
Angelina Stone was identified as one of the victims. She was only four days away from giving birth when she was killed.
Stone’s two children were also among those who died. A family fundraiser identifies them as Isiah, her son; Amari’anna, her daughter; and Kyrie, her unborn baby. Family friend Lisa Simmers told about the loss of the children and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“Her two babies were on the spectrum. Innocent children, couldn’t have told on that man if they wanted to, and he still killed them.”
Simmers also described the helplessness she felt while people were outside the home as the violence unfolded.
“It’s mind-blowing to me to understand what was happening in that house while we were standing outside. The feeling of helplessness and knowing we couldn’t do anything and she was right there.”
Speaking to Erie News Now, Simmers remembered Stone’s family as “beautiful” and described the children as innocent victims who did not deserve what happened to them.
Police Describe the Scene Inside the Erie Home
In a statement released Saturday, October 10, officials said police arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving the alert. Investigators determined that all nine victims had died before officers reached the residence. No additional gunshots were reported after police arrived.
Erie Police Chief Richard Lorah later shared details about what officers encountered during a news conference.
According to Lorah, officers found two deceased women outside the residence within minutes of arriving. Investigators reviewed video evidence that appeared to show the women arriving at the home, hearing distress, seeking assistance from neighbors and pounding on the door.
“Video evidence reviewed by investigators shows those two women arriving at the residence, hearing distress, seeking assistance from neighbors and pounding on the door. The audio video also appears to capture muffled gunfire from inside the residence before the suspect emerged and fatally shot both women,” Lorah said.
The statement provided investigators with additional information about the events leading up to the deaths outside the home.
Nine People Were Killed in the Shooting
Authorities said the nine deceased individuals included eight family members and one family friend.
According to information released by police, the victims included a 51-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman found outside the residence. Inside, officers found a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl on the first floor.
A 24-year-old woman, a 44-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were found on the second floor and stairwell. Lorah also confirmed that one of the victims was eight months pregnant.
The suspected shooter, a 45-year-old man, was found dead on the second floor with a firearm. Based on the evidence gathered so far, investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities have not publicly established a complete motive for the shooting in the information provided. Lorah described the scene as one that would remain with investigators long after they left.
“Some scenes some scenes stay with you long after you leave them. This is one of those tragic scenes,” he said.
The City of Erie also expressed sympathy for those affected by the deaths.
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“Our hearts remain with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by this devastating loss of life,” the city said in its statement.
Fundraiser Created for Funeral Expenses
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover funeral arrangements for Stone and her children.
The fundraiser’s description says the family does not have the financial resources to cover the unexpected expenses and is seeking support from the community to arrange their final services.
“We have no finances ready to cover this loss, and we have only two weeks from today to get everything done. The funds from this fundraiser will go toward funeral expenses and the fees related to their final arrangements so they can be sent off correctly. This is more than our family can carry alone right now, and we truly need the community to rally around us,” the fundraiser’s description reads.
As the investigation continues, Stone’s family and friends are left mourning a mother who was days away from welcoming another child and two young children whose lives ended alongside other loved ones.
What has happened in Erie has left a community grieving an unimaginable loss. Share your thoughts and condolences for the victims and their families in the comments.
