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Heavy Police Presence Reported at Augusta Mall Following Shooting Threat

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Augusta, GA – A heavy police response was reported at Augusta Mall on Saturday after receiving reports of a potential shooting threat. The incident, which caused widespread panic among shoppers, led to stores locking down and the rapid deployment of law enforcement to the scene.

Witnesses reported that the situation began with an altercation among individuals inside the mall. During the confrontation, one person allegedly made a verbal threat to “shoot it up,” prompting fear and chaos.

Shoppers and employees fled in panic, with many running for safety while others sought refuge in locked stores. According to witnesses, the atmosphere quickly became chaotic, with people dispersing throughout the mall.

Law enforcement officers arrived swiftly at the scene, securing the premises and working to restore order. Police confirmed that no shots were fired, and the situation appears to be under control. Officers continue to investigate the incident to determine the validity of the threat and ensure public safety.

During the commotion, a woman reportedly lost her child amidst the crowd and was seen screaming and panicking as she searched for her child. Witnesses described the scene as emotional and distressing, though the child was reportedly located shortly after the initial chaos.

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As of now, there are no reported injuries, and authorities have not confirmed any active threats. Augusta Mall has resumed normal operations, although a significant police presence remains as part of the ongoing investigation.

Law enforcement is urging anyone with information regarding the altercation or the threat to come forward to assist with their investigation. Shoppers are advised to stay vigilant and follow any updates or safety advisories from local authorities.

More details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.


Crime

Matthew S. Stone Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead

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Matthew S. Stone Reportedly Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead 722 Perry Street
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ERIE, Pa. — Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.

Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.

The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.

The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.

Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.

According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.

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April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.

Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.

She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.

Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.

In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.

“I’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,” she wrote.

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Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.

According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.

Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.

Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.

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Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.

“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.

Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.

The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.

The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.

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Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.

Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.


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