In a tragic murder-suicide incident in Pennsylvania, two victims, identified as friends, heroically made their way to the chaotic scene in an attempt to save a family member. The two women, Lora Roberts, 37, and Twila Tanner, 51, went to a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, when a shooting unfolded on Friday night. They aimed to rescue Roberts’ niece but sadly became victims themselves, shot by the 45-year-old grandfather responsible for the horror.
Roberts, a mother of five and engaged for 14 years, is remembered fondly by her community and family. An online campaign shared details about her life, pointing out that her unexpected passing leaves her loved ones not just heartbroken but also in urgent need of financial support during this difficult time.
Tanner also rushed to the scene, joining Roberts in what can only be described as an act of extraordinary courage, as family and friends noted in a separate fundraising effort. She was trying to protect her friend’s family from a dangerously violent situation, which ultimately resulted in her own death as well.
Both women are believed to have been among the last victims before the shooter took his own life. Witnesses described how they frantically banged on the door of the home, clearly in distress after hearing gunfire inside. Unfortunately, the assailant stepped outside and shot them before retreating back indoors where he ended his own life.
The families of both women are asking for help with funeral costs and support for those reeling from this unspeakable tragedy. Other victims included Angelina Stone, the shooter’s pregnant daughter, who was on the verge of giving birth to her third child, Kyrie. Tragically, her two other young children, Isiah and Amari’anna, were also killed.
Authorities are still working to identify all the victims, aiming to inform their families. It appears that, aside from Tanner, all the deceased were related. The police have not disclosed a specific motive for the shooting but have indicated a belief that mental health factors may have played a role in this tragic event.
