Erie County Coroner Lyle Cook has ruled the deaths of two people killed in a shooting Monday night as a murder-suicide.
He says Wendy Knepper, 45, of Erie died from gunshot wounds to the chest. She was shot while sitting inside a vehicle, stopped along East 20th Street.
Cook says Mark Plizga, 51, died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Cook says the Plizga shot Knepper, then turned the gun on himself.
Plizga, of Harborcreek, had just turned 51 years old, the day before the shooting.
Investigators said the two had just recently ended a relationship.
Neighbors told Erie News Now they heard the pair fighting followed by gunshots.
Detectives have been looking for home security camera video from the area as part of the investigation.
Knepper's family released a statement, saying in part,
"Anyone who knew Wendy and encountered her infectious smile knew her to be light and laughter. While it is difficult for us to wrap our heads around this senseless act, the family has appreciated the outpouring of love and support and thanks you for all of your prayers. Her life was tragically cut too short and our lives are forever changed but we carry her with us and the legacy she has left within her two children is without a doubt one she would be proud of. "