Erie Shooting Victims Include Brothers Jonathan and Matthew Stone and Lora Roberts

 Erie, Pennsylvania, is mourning the loss of loved ones after a mass shooting at a home on Perry Street left nine people dead, including the suspected shooter. Among those reportedly identified by family and friends are brothers Jonathan Stone and Matthew Stone, whose childhood memories have now become painful tributes shared by those who knew them. Lora Roberts, a mother of five remembered for helping people experiencing homelessness, was also named among the victims. As the investigation continues, the stories emerging from the tragedy reveal the personal bonds behind the devastating headlines.

Police responded to the home near East Seventh and Perry streets shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, October 9, after a gunfire detection alert. Officers found two women dead outside, then secured the scene. After obtaining a search warrant, officers entered and found more victims, including two young children. Authorities later clarified that all the deaths occurred before police arrived, correcting early confusion about the timeline.

Chief Rick Lorah said eight people were killed by the suspected gunman, and the ninth person who died was the suspect. Officials said seven victims were related to him and one was a family friend, but a motive had not been established. Authorities urged the public to avoid sharing unverified details while investigators document the scene and notify relatives. Names shared by friends and family are important, but officials had not publicly confirmed every identity.

Roberts was remembered as a mother of five and a community advocate who supported people experiencing homelessness. The account provided says she served on the board of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit offering food and shelter. Relatives reportedly said she was trying to help a family member when she was shot outside the home. That account has become part of the tribute to a woman remembered for caring for others.

In a tribute, April Miles Pineiro remembered the Stone brothers as childhood friends whose lives were woven into neighborhood memories. She recalled playing outdoors, joining hide-and-seek games, and laughing about the boys using a clown mask to surprise friends. Pineiro also remembered walking with them to the school bus stop in cold weather, while their mother waited with the children. Those ordinary moments now carry painful significance for friends remembering the brothers beyond the circumstances of their deaths.

Pineiro’s tribute included lighter memories, including Jonathan’s childhood crush on her, which she recalled with affection. She also described a park outing when a playful moment on a slide ended with both brothers falling, leaving a memory that still made her laugh. One of her last visits with Jonathan and Matthew, she said, also included Angelina, another person connected to the family. These recollections offer glimpses of friendships and shared experiences beyond a list of victims.

Police described the scene as deeply disturbing, and city officials expressed condolences to relatives and the wider Erie community. Investigators are reviewing evidence and establishing the sequence of events, while the coroner’s office works on formal identification. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public, but questions remain. Until authorities release findings, reports about relationships, final actions, or possible motives should be treated cautiously, not repeated as confirmed fact.

For those who loved Roberts, Jonathan Stone, Matthew Stone, and the other victims, grief is now bound up with memories of kindness, childhood mischief, family, and friendship. The investigation may clarify what happened at the Perry Street home, but no finding can restore the lives lost. As Erie mourns, the respectful response is to support those left behind, give families privacy, and remember each person beyond the headlines, with care and dignity.