Gunman kills 8 relatives and friend in Erie mass shooting

A gunman killed eight people in Erie before taking his own life, police say. The deaths devastated a local family. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the 45-year-old gunman took his own life. Authorities have not released the shooter’s name. They also have not made the victims’ names public.

Lorah said the gunman was related to seven victims. The eighth victim was a friend of the pregnant woman. The chief declined to discuss a motive. He suggested mental health could be a factor. Police have not established a motive for the attack.

Father Julius Windham said his 1-year-old daughter Amarianna died in the Friday violence. Her pregnant mother, unborn baby, and 5-year-old brother also died. Windham said the shooter was a grandfather who never seemed distressed.

“I think that was a front for him,” Windham said at a Sunday memorial. He stood outside the house where the gunfire took place.

Investigators recovered audio and video evidence from the house, Lorah said. The evidence included muffled gunshot sounds from inside the home. Two distressed women arrived shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. They pounded on the door. The gunman came outside and shot both women. He then went back inside.

Responding officers found the two women dead outside. Officers deployed a drone and a robot. They then entered the residence.

Officers found the bodies of the dead across two floors. These victims included:

• The 5-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl on the first floor
• Two women and two young men in a stairwell
• The shooter on the second floor

“Out of respect for the victims and the families, I will not discuss the details of what our officers encountered inside that home,” Lorah said at a news conference.

Mourners placed candles, flowers and stuffed animals outside the Erie residence on Sunday. Friends Nicole Eller and Debra Eller said they knew the family for over 30 years. Nicole Eller said the shooter was once a good guy before going downhill.

“They were a lovely family. Who would have thought this would ever happen?” Debra Eller said.

Erie Mayor Daria Devlin spoke to the families at a Saturday news conference. She offered condolences on behalf of the city.

Police departments typically secure active crime scenes before entering private residences. Investigators review electronic devices and interview relatives during death inquiries.

Lorah said investigators will talk to relatives. They will also examine the cellphones of the women killed outside.