A woman and man who were killed by gunfire in east Erie were identified as Wendy Mantsch Knepper, 45, of Erie, and Mark Plizga, 51, of Harborcreek Township.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook on Wednesday released the identities of an Erie woman and a Harborcreek Township man who were killed by gunfire on Monday night in an east Erie neighborhood.

Cook ruled the deaths of Wendy Mantsch Knepper, 45, and Mark Plizga, 51, as a homicide-suicide.

Knepper died from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest, Cook said.

Cook ruled that Plizga died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

The shootings were reported on Monday at 6:25 p.m. in the 2100 block of East 20th Street.

Erie police said Knepper and Plizga were previously in a relationship but had broken up recently.

Investigators said the two were driving separate vehicles, and that Plizga was following Knepper when she pulled her vehicle into a driveway on East 20th Street.

Police said Plizga blocked Knepper’s vehicle in with his vehicle. Plizga exited his vehicle, and police believe he shot the woman while she was still inside her vehicle before he shot himself.

Plizga was found outside Knepper’s vehicle. Knepper was taken to UPMC Hamot, where she died at 7:40 p.m. Monday while undergoing surgery, Cook said.

The Mantsch family released the following statement on Wednesday:

"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."