'Cleveland Facebook Shooter' Kills Himself In Pennsylvania After Pursuit: State Police

Steve Stephens, the alleged "Cleveland Facebook Shooter," shot and killed himself Tuesday in Pennsylvania after a pursuit, Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed. Authorities say Stephens, wanted for murder, was spotted Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police in Erie County. "After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself," State Police said.

Stephens' death comes after a nationwide search prompted when he allegedly posted a video to Facebook showing the killing of a 74-year-old man in Ohio. Authorities from across the region were on high alert throughout the day Monday, and nine Philadelphia schools were on lockdown briefly Monday due to reported sightings that turned out not to be Stephens.

Stephens allegedly attacked Robert Godwin Sr., shot him dead and then proceeded to upload the video of the killing to Facebook. According to Cleveland police, the suspect claimed to have committed multiple other homicides, though that has not been verified.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf thanked the state police for "acting without hesitation" during the pursuit.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania State police for their bravery and vigilance in spotting and pursuing ‘Facebook Live Killer’ Steve Stephens in Erie and acting without hesitation to keep others safe. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians and Americans, I thank these state troopers, the entire State Police and all law enforcement involved for their heroism in protecting their fellow citizens," Wolf said in a statement.

On Monday, residents in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York, and Indiana were asked to call police if they spotted Stephens or his vehicle. A spokesperson for the FBI said Stephens "could be far away, could be near, or anywhere in-between."

The FBI assisted Cleveland police with the investigation. He was driving a white Ford Fusion with a temporary tag.

“This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook," a Facebook spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Patch. "We take our responsibility to keep people safe on Facebook very seriously, and are in touch with law enforcement in emergencies when there are direct threats to physical safety.”

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With reporting by Feroze Dhanoa
Image via Cleveland Police