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Miscommunication Triggers Active Shooter Response at Muskingum University

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Muskingum County, OH – A miscommunication led to a large-scale law enforcement response at Muskingum University following a false report of an active shooter, according to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Matt Lutz stated that the incident began around 6:35 p.m. when a university staff member overheard students discussing a dispute between a male and female that had allegedly occurred earlier in the day.

The staff member, interpreting the conversation as a potential hostage or active shooter situation, promptly reported it to a Muskingum University police officer.

“The report was kind of confusing at the time,” Lutz explained. “It came into [the officer] as a person saying there was someone holding a hostage or possibly had a gun—an active shooter-type situation.”

Upon receiving the report, the university police officer relayed the information to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, which dispatched deputies to the campus under active shooter protocols.

In response to the report, Muskingum University issued a shelter-in-place order, instructing students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors as law enforcement swept the campus for any potential threats.

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However, after a thorough investigation, officials determined that no active threat existed.

“We think this was probably miscommunication to a certain extent,” Lutz said.

Authorities believe the original dispute—which had been described as “very loud”—circulated among students on social media, where details were misinterpreted and exaggerated.

“I think some of that got carried over into tonight’s incident,” Lutz noted. “So it was two completely different incidents. There wasn’t anybody injured or anything from the first incident. It wasn’t even reported at the time.”

The misinformation spread online may have contributed to the staff member’s concern, leading them to report what they overheard to law enforcement.

“The chatter on social media got turned and twisted, and the staff member overheard students talking about it,” Lutz explained. “I think that got kind of misunderstood. But the report went to the police department, it came to us, and we responded accordingly.”

Following the investigation and campus search, law enforcement confirmed that no shooting had occurred and that no one was injured.

While a follow-up investigation is underway, Lutz stated that, as of Monday night, no criminal charges are expected.

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The shelter-in-place order has since been lifted, and the campus has resumed normal operations.

Authorities are reminding students and staff to report concerns directly and accurately to law enforcement to avoid unnecessary panic and ensure appropriate responses to genuine threats.


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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