Lora Lee Roberts was a woman with an enormous heart whose life was dedicated to caring for others. A 37-year-old mother and loving fiancée, Lora was known for her unwavering compassion and selflessness. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School in her hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, and built a life centered on family and service. For nearly a decade, she worked as a nurse’s aide, much of that time at Presbyterian Homes and Manchester Commons, and was pursuing her nursing degree to
further her natural gift as a caregiver. Lora passionately advocated for the homeless and survivors of domestic abuse, formerly serving as a board member for the Community of Caring shelter. Her friend, Christine Tombaugh, the shelter's executive director, remembered her as having "a giving spirit, a beautiful heart." Above all, Lora treasured her family, sharing 14 years with her fiancé, Jeremy Harris, and their five children: Leeland Harris, Ethan Harris, Aunalyese Roberts, Aleah Roberts, and Jeremy Harris Jr.
On the afternoon of Friday, October 9, 2026, Lora’s instinct to help set in motion a devastating tragedy. At 4:39 p.m., she received a Facebook Messenger call from her 24-year-old niece, Angelina Stone. Angelina, who was pregnant and due to give birth just days later, needed a ride to the hospital. Lora immediately agreed to help, telling her niece she was on her way. She brought along her friend and neighbor, Twila Tanner, and they drove the few miles to the Stone family home on Perry Street. They had no way of knowing the danger that awaited them.
When Lora and Twila arrived in their Honda SUV, they were met with gunfire. Both women were shot and killed outside the residence. The shooter was Matthew Stone Sr., Lora's brother-in-law and Angelina's father. After killing Lora and Twila, he murdered his own family inside the home: his wife and Lora’s sister, Michelle Marie Lemons Stone, 44; his daughter, Angelina; his sons, Matthew Stone Jr., 21, and Jonathan Stone, 19; and his two young grandchildren, Isiah Hodges Stone, 5, and Amari’anna Stone, who was nearly 2. After killing eight people, Matthew Stone Sr. died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Erie Police Department was dispatched to the home at 4:53 p.m., arriving two minutes later to a rapidly unfolding situation. Unsure of what had happened inside or if there was an ongoing hostage situation, officers secured the scene. At 7:12 p.m., they made entry into the house and discovered the horrific scene. In total, nine people were found deceased from gunshot wounds. The investigation that followed revealed a dark history of domestic violence and control within the Stone household.
Investigators learned from family members that Matthew Stone Sr. had exercised significant control over his wife and children for years, restricting their finances and their ability to leave the home. Detectives described the house's interior as "extremely filthy," with non-working plumbing. Police Chief Rick Lorah revealed that Stone had been charged in a 2019 domestic violence incident involving his wife and the same 40-caliber handgun used in the murders, but the charges were withdrawn after Michelle Stone changed her statement. More recently, Angelina had been sending messages indicating she planned to leave the home after her baby was born, telling others her father had been physically abusive to her brothers. Her belongings were found packed in bags and boxes in her room.
The community was left to mourn an unimaginable loss. Lora was remembered as a hero who stood up for those who needed a voice. Her obituary stated, "the lives she touched will never be the same because of her love and kindness." She was survived by her mother, Brenda Gregory, her stepfather, Sean Gregory, her fiancé, and her five beloved children. A visitation and funeral service were held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services. The case was closed following the investigation, which determined it was a mass murder-suicide perpetrated by Matthew Stone Sr. As of October 2026, the Erie community continues to heal from the tragedy.
