Erie coroner releases names of gunman and most victims in Friday's home shooting
A coroner identified the shooter and six of the eight victims killed in a family home in Erie, Pennsylvania, while authorities continue to investigate possible motives.
Erie County coroner Lyell Cook disclosed on Monday that the gunman in Friday's home shooting was 45-year-old Matthew Stone Sr., who died by suicide at the scene, according to Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah.
The victims included six adults: Michelle Stone, 44; Angelina Stone, 24, who was expecting a child; Jonathan Stone, 19; Matthew Stone, 21; Lora Roberts, 37; and Twila Tanner, 51. State law barred the release of the names of a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl who also perished.
At a memorial, family members identified the toddler as Amarianna, the daughter of Angelina Stone, and confirmed that the boy who died was also her child. Roberts, a volunteer and former board member of a local homeless-assistance group, had been assisting Angelina during her pregnancy.
Chief Lorah said investigators recovered video and audio showing muffled gunshots inside the home shortly before two women arrived and began pounding on the door. The gunman emerged, shot the women as they fled, and then returned inside. Roberts and Tanner, the only victim not related to the shooter, were killed outside the residence.
While the police have not disclosed a motive, Lorah indicated that the shooter’s mental health might have played a role and that investigators will interview relatives and examine the victims’ cellphones. Erie lies about 120 miles north of Pittsburgh.