Steve Stephens Dead

Erie Police Dispatch Audio

Stephens was spotted in McDonald’s parking lot by tipster who called police; short chase ensued.

Erie PA: Erie police have confirmed the suicide in Erie on Tuesday of Steve Stephens, the Cleveland resident suspected of fatally shooting a Cleveland man on Sunday and posting video of the slaying on Facebook.

Stephens died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while driving a white Ford Fusion near Buffalo Road and Downing Avenue around 11:10 a.m., police said.

State police were following the car as it headed west into Erie, according to dispatchers.

The car, pointed west, is stopped in the westbound lane of Buffalo Road, across from the former Burton Elementary School, 1660 Buffalo Road. Police are blocking off the entire school grounds. Erie police are also at the scene. via GoErie.com

PA State Police Statement

Erie, PA – “Facebook Killer” Steve Stephens was spotted just after 11 a.m. this morning by an alert citizen near the intersection of Buffalo Road and Downing Avenue in Erie County, Pennsylvania, which is less than two miles from PSP Troop E headquarters.

PSP troopers immediately began to canvas the area for Stephens and located him in his vehicle a short time later. Troopers in marked patrol units initiated a pursuit that lasted approximately two miles.

The troopers attempted a PIT maneuver to disable Stephens’ vehicle, a white Ford Fusion.

As the vehicle was spinning out of control from the PIT maneuver, Stephens pulled a pistol and shot himself in the head.

A patrol trooper involved with the pursuit could not stop in time and slid into Stephens’ vehicle causing minor damage. No injuries to law enforcement or members of the public were reported.

Update on Hunt for “Facebook Killer” Steve Stephens https://t.co/SyKtx7uLOt

— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) April 18, 2017