Pennsylvania Mass Shooting: Grandfather Killed 7 Relatives and Family Friend, Father of Toddler Says

A devastating mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, has left a family and an entire community searching for answers after eight people were killed, including two young children and a pregnant woman.

Authorities identified the gunman as Matthew Stone Sr., 45, who died by suicide at the scene on Friday, October 9, 2026. According to investigators, seven of the victims were his relatives, while the eighth was a friend of the family.

Among those killed was 1-year-old Amarianna, whose father, Julius Windham, spoke publicly about the tragedy at a memorial. He said the man believed to be responsible was the child’s grandfather and that he had never appeared to be capable of such violence.

Windham also lost Amarianna’s mother, Angelina Stone, 24, who was pregnant and reportedly due to give birth on October 12. Her 5-year-old son was also among the victims.

The other adult victims identified by the county coroner were Michelle Stone, 44; Jonathan Stone, 19; and Matthew Stone, 21. Two women, Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, were also killed outside the home. Authorities said Roberts was a family friend, while Tanner was the only victim who was not related to the shooter. State law prevents officials from publicly releasing the names of the two young children.

Police said the shooting began inside the home. Investigators reviewing video and audio evidence reportedly heard gunshots before two distressed women arrived and began pounding on the door. The gunman then came outside and shot the women before returning inside.

The motive remains under investigation. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said investigators are examining evidence and plan to speak with relatives to better understand what led to the attack. He noted that mental health could be one factor, but authorities have not established a definitive motive.

People who knew the family described the tragedy as difficult to comprehend. Some said the shooter had once seemed kind and ordinary, making the violence even more shocking.

At a memorial, Windham struggled to put his grief into words as he remembered his daughter and the other family members who died. The loss has left relatives mourning multiple generations of one family at once.

As investigators continue their work, the community is left with painful questions about what happened inside the home and whether anything could have prevented the tragedy.

Source: Associated Press

Additional source: PEOPLE