Grandfather identified as shooter in Erie, Pennsylvania, mass killing that left eight dead
Police say the 45-year-old gunman, who was related to most victims, killed eight people in an Erie home before taking his own life; relatives described him as appearing normal before the attack.
A 45-year-old man identified as a grandfather opened fire in a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, killing eight people before turning the gun on himself, authorities said. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah noted the shooter was related to seven of the victims, with the eighth being a friend of a pregnant woman, and declined to release names.
The victims included a one-year-old girl, her pregnant mother, a five-year-old boy, and several other adults. Police recovered audio evidence of gunshots inside the house shortly before two women arrived and were shot as they tried to enter. Officers used a drone and a robot to locate the bodies inside, finding the shooter on the second floor.
During a memorial, Julius Windham, whose one-year-old daughter was among those killed, said the shooter “never seemed distressed or out of the ordinary” and appeared to be smiling in daily interactions. "Words can’t even explain what I’m going through now," Windham said, adding that he must stay strong for his community.
Mayor Daria Devlin addressed families at a news conference, expressing deep sorrow and pledging community support. Lorah said investigators would examine the victims' cell phones and speak with relatives, suggesting mental health could have played a role, though he did not discuss motive.
Neighbors placed candles, flowers and stuffed animals outside the residence as a tribute to the victims.