Pregnant woman and friend rushed to help family as grandfather opened fire
A pregnant woman and her friend were rushing to help six members of a family as they were gunned down by the family’s patriarch, before he turned the gun on them too, police say.
The 45-year-old grandfather allegedly opened fire at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania in the US on Friday evening (Saturday morning AEDT).
People gather at a memorial outside the home where authorities say a gunman killed several people including members of his own family before killing himself Associated Press
Investigators say they have video and audio evidence of muffled gunshot sounds from inside the home before two “distressed” women, one of whom was pregnant, arrived at the house and began pounding on the door.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the guman came out, shot them and returned inside the home.
Responding officers found the two women dead outside.
“They knew something was going on at that house,” Lorah said.
“We have to figure out what that is.”
Officers later found the bodies of the pregnant woman’s five-year-old son and one-year-old daughter on the first floor, as well as two young men and another two young women in a stairwell.
The body of the shooter was found on the second floor.
Police have so far declined to discuss a motive.
Investigators will examine the women’s cellphones for evidence and speak with surviving relatives.
Bystanders gather outside the scene of the shooting in Erie on Friday. Matt Barnum/WJET via AP
“Out of respect for the victims and the families, I will not discuss the details of what our officers encountered inside that home,” the chief said.
“But I want our community to understand the gravity of what happened and the profound impact this tragedy has had on those involved and on our community as a whole.”
Devastated community
Mourners on Sunday placed candles, flowers and stuffed animals outside the home.
The slain toddler’s father said the alleged killer’s smiling face was a “front”.
Julius Windham visits a memorial outside the home where authorities say a gunman killed multiple people, including his daughter. Associated Press
“Him every day, him smiling and being just - you would think of nothing like that would happen,” Julius Windham told Associated Press, wearing a T-shirt with pictures of the women and children and the words “Forever In My Heart”.
“I think that was a front for him.
“Words can’t even explain what I’m going through right now.
“But I gotta be strong for my community, you know what I’m saying? My family, my daughters, my sons, everybody.”
Nicole and Debra Eller, whose best friend was among the victims, said they've known the family for more than 30 years.
Police gather outside the scene. Associated Press
“They were a lovely family. Who would have thought this would ever happen?” Debra Eller said.
“Oh my gosh, this is so upsetting.
“This should have never happened to her or the kids or anybody.
“His grandchildren, his kids, how can you do that?”
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin told the victims’ families she was “deeply sorry”.
“What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier.
“Our entire community is with you, we’re grieving with you. And we are here to support you.”
The shooting was reminiscent of a 1982 massacre in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in which a man killed 13 people, including five of his own children.
- Reported with Associated Press
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