Nine Dead in Erie Mass Shooting

Nine people, including the suspected shooter, were killed in a mass shooting at a residence in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, according to authorities.

Erie police responded to the scene after receiving a gunshot alert from the city's ShotSpotter system at 4:52 p.m. They found two women fatally wounded outside the home, and additional victims, including the suspected shooter, inside.

The suspected shooter was found dead on the second floor with a firearm, which was registered to him, according to police. Officers determined all deaths occurred before their arrival.

Authorities confirmed that no gunfire occurred after officers arrived, and sounds mistaken for gunfire were flash bangs used by law enforcement. The deaths did not result from a prolonged standoff or delay in police action.

Nine victims were identified, with eight being related to one another and one being a family friend. One of the victims was eight months pregnant. The identities of the victims and the suspect were not publicly released as of October 10.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook stated his office was beginning to confirm the identities of the deceased, with eight pronounced dead at the scene and one later confirmed dead in a hospital. Autopsies had not been ruled in as of October 10.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah identified the two women found outside as a 51-year-old and a 37-year-old woman. Inside, officers found a 5-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl on the first floor. Four more victims were found in a stairwell on the second floor.