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Azir Harris Shot Multiple Times in the Back, Someone Jumped Over His Wheelchair During Attack

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PHILADELPHIA — Azir Harris, a 24-year-old father and outspoken advocate for gun violence survivors, was tragically killed early Monday morning during a mass shooting at a block party in South Philadelphia, his family confirmed.

Harris, who had been paralyzed in a 2018 shooting at the age of 17, was attending a neighborhood cookout on the 1500 block of South Etting Street.

According to his father, Troy Harris, Azir had gone to enjoy the evening with friends and family, including the mother of his 1-year-old son, who was also injured in the shooting.

The gathering followed a weekend of remembrance for four young men from the community who were previously killed in acts of gun violence.

Community members said the atmosphere was celebratory, with music, food, and conversation—until it turned into chaos.

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Shortly before 1 a.m., gunfire erupted. Police said more than 110 rounds were fired along the densely packed street, where dozens had gathered.

Harris, seated in his wheelchair, was struck multiple times in the back. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after 2:15 a.m. at a nearby hospital.

His wheelchair was left behind at the scene, surrounded by bullet casings and evidence markers—a haunting symbol of a life cut short.

“He was the light of this house,” said Troy Harris, speaking emotionally about his youngest son, the youngest of six children. “The kid fought so hard to stay here. And look … look what happened.”

After being paralyzed in the 2018 shooting, Azir had become a dedicated advocate for survivors of gun violence and a devoted father to his young son, Aspen.

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“He was so committed to being a dad,” his father said. “He didn’t let not being able to use his legs stop him from being totally committed. He would do everything—sometimes it would make us nervous. But he was so happy to be a father.”

As the investigation continues, police believe multiple shooters were involved, though no motive has yet been determined.

At least 13 people were injured in the shooting, three fatally.

The ages of the victims range from 15 to 24.

Troy Harris spent Monday making heartbreaking calls to those who had helped support his son’s recovery and journey since 2018.

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The shooting marks the second mass shooting in Philadelphia in just days and underscores the growing concern over escalating violence in the city.


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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