will not discuss the details of what our officers encountered inside that home,  the chief said at a news conference.

 But I want our community to understand the gravity of what happened and the profound impact this tragedy has had on those involved and on our community as a whole,  he said.

Police decline to discuss motive as investigation continues

Erie is about 120 miles (190 kilometers) north of Pittsburgh.

Lorah declined to discuss motive but suggested mental health could be a factor. He said investigators would talk to relatives and examine the cellphones of the women who were killed outside the home.

 They knew something was going on at that house,  Lorah said.  We have to figure out what that is. 

Nicole and Debra Eller, whose best friend was among the victims, said they've known the family for more than 30 years. Nicole Eller said the shooter  was a good guy, and then he started going downhill with everything. 

 They were a lovely family. Who would have thought this would ever happen?  Debra Eller said.  Oh my gosh, this is so upsetting. This should have never happened to her or the kids or anybody. His grandchildren, his kids, how can you do that? 

The Erie shooting was reminiscent of a 1982 massacre in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in which a man killed 13 people, including five of his own children.

At a news conference on Saturday, Erie Mayor Daria Devlin addressed a portion of her remarks directly to the victims' families.

 I am so deeply sorry,  Devlin said. What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier. ... Our entire community is with you, we're grieving with you. And we are here to support you.