‘Horrible tragedy’: Family mourns victims of Erie mass shooting

ERIE, Penn. (WJW) — The community of Erie, Pennsylvania, is grieving after a mass shooting left eight victims dead, including two young children and a woman who was eight months pregnant.

The suspected gunman also died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As families mourn their loved ones, one little girl’s aunt is shared her family’s heartbreak with Fox 8 and is calling on the community to come together.

“That was his firstborn daughter. She wasn’t even 2 yet and we just had her over for dinner three nights ago and she’s gone now,” said Lisa Simmers.

Simmers said her niece was one of eight victims killed in Friday’s shooting in the 700 block of Perry Street in Erie. She said her brother is devastated by the loss of his daughter.

Police said officers responded at 4:53 p.m. Friday after a ShotSpotter alert reported gunfire. They found two women dead outside the home. Investigators said video and witness accounts indicate gunfire occurred inside before the suspected shooter came outside and fatally shot the women.

“Those officers were met with an eerie silence when they arrived there,” said officials at a press conference Saturday afternoon.

Police said all eight victims and the 45-year-old male suspected shooter died before officers arrived.

The man was found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims included two children, and one woman was eight months pregnant. Investigators have not established a motive.

Saturday evening, a vigil was held to honor the victims. Loved ones of the victims said they’re heartbroken as they try to process this unimaginable loss.

”It’s just a horrible tragedy you know? We would have never in a million years thought that something like this would happen,” said Simmers.

Simmers said the family is focused on honoring their loved ones. A fundraiser has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for the children and their mother.

“Sometimes you just need to see that people show up and that they care and with something so deep, so tragic like this, I think the least that could happen is people just show up and show their love and respect for these people,” said Simmers.

Authorities said this remains an ongoing investigation.