Police Investigate Deadly Erie Shooting at Perry Street Home

Multiple people were killed in a shooting at a home on Perry Street in Erie on Oct. 9, including the suspected shooter, after police responded to reports of gunfire and victims. Authorities said the incident was contained and there was no ongoing threat.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said officers were called to the 700 block of Perry Street at 4:52 p.m. and found two females outside the residence with fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators later found additional deceased people inside the home, according to Lorah.

Police said the suspected shooter was identified after a neighbor reported seeing a person fire at the two females outside. The suspect was found with a gun and appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Lorah said.

Investigators from the Erie Bureau of Police and the Erie County Coroner's Office remained at the scene while processing evidence and conducting interviews with family members and others.

"It was horrific, definitely the worst I've ever seen," said Rick Lorah, Erie Police Chief.

Lorah described the incident as one of the most difficult cases encountered by city officers and detectives because of the number of deaths and circumstances surrounding the shooting.

"It was a horrific loss of life," said Rick Lorah, Erie Police Chief.

The City of Erie issued a statement shortly after 10 p.m. Oct. 9 saying the situation had been contained and the shooter was deceased. The statement also addressed those affected by the incident.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight's tragedy," said the City of Erie in its statement.

Police continued to maintain the area as a crime scene while investigators worked to determine what happened at the residence. Authorities said they were not speculating on a possible motive at that time.

"Our hearts are with the victims and their families. There are no words that can express the magnitude of loss," said Rick Lorah, Erie Police Chief.