Crime
1 killed in 3 overnight shootings in Utica
In the early morning hours of November 8, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., Utica Police and Fire units were dispatched to a report of a shooting victim at a business on 822 South St.
Upon arrival, responders found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Investigators quickly determined that an unknown assailant wearing a mask had entered the establishment, shot the victim, and fled the scene.
The victim was rushed by Utica Fire Department (UFD) personnel to Wynn Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.
Shortly after the initial shooting, as officers were on-site investigating, they received a ShotSpotter alert around 1:00 a.m. indicating multiple gunshots on Faxton St.
As officers responded, 911 calls also came in reporting multiple victims.
At the scene, officers found two victims: a male with gunshot wounds to his back and a female with injuries to her chest.
Utica Police and Fire units quickly administered first aid and transported both victims to Wynn Hospital.
Tragically, despite every effort by emergency responders and hospital staff, the 19-year-old female, identified as Key Amonie, succumbed to her injuries.
The male victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Utica Police and Fire extend their deepest condolences to the family of the young woman and hope for the male victim’s recovery.
While still processing the scene on Faxton St, officers received another ShotSpotter alert at approximately 3:30 a.m., this time from the 1500 block of Howard Ave, indicating multiple gunshots.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that several rounds had been fired into a residence while occupants were asleep, including several children.
Fortunately, none of the residents were injured.
The Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Major Crimes Unit are now conducting thorough investigations into all three incidents, exploring any possible connections between them.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you have any details regarding these incidents, please contact the Utica Police Department at (315) 223-3510. You may also provide information anonymously through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Tokio, N.D. – A North Dakota man has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, and offenses in Indian Country following a deadly shooting on the Spirit Lake Reservation last week, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Monday, March 10.
Johnnie Jay Gaking is accused of fatally shooting his adult sister, Tiana Lenoir, and her 3-year-old daughter, Lokia, and critically injuring his mother, Kristy Lee, at a residence near Tokio, North Dakota, on March 4.
According to court documents, law enforcement responded to the residence and discovered Lenoir and her young daughter deceased from gunshot wounds.
Kristy Lee was found alive but suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
She was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
A paramedic at the scene reported that Kristy Lee drifted in and out of consciousness and, at one point, stated that her son had shot her, the complaint alleges.
After the shooting, Gaking allegedly fled the scene and later arrived at another home near Tokio, where he reportedly stabbed himself multiple times before fleeing again in a blue Ford Focus.
Residents at the second home told Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agents that Gaking appeared disoriented and displayed what they described as “crazy eyes.”
According to the complaint, Gaking told them, “[My sister] is dead, they’re all dead, I didn’t do it.” The residents observed fresh blood on his chest and abdomen and suspected he had inflicted stab wounds on himself.
Law enforcement apprehended Gaking shortly after the incident, and he was transported to a hospital for treatment.
During an interview with authorities, Gaking allegedly claimed that men in ski masks had been stalking him and that they had forced him to kill his family.
He also denied stabbing himself, stating that he did not know who was responsible since they were wearing ski masks, according to the complaint.
A family member who lived with the victims told investigators that Gaking had been behaving erratically before the shooting.
The relative stated that Gaking had been talking about being chased by men in ski masks, had not been sleeping, and appeared to be “tripping.”
Earlier in the day, he had an outburst and allegedly threatened, “If my family doesn’t believe me that people are trying to kill me, then I’ll kill all of you (expletive) first,” the complaint says.
The same family member also reported seeing Gaking waving a gun before hearing gunshots.
He recalled Gaking allegedly saying, “You’re next, uncle,” before fleeing for his life.
Gaking remains in custody, and a hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday in Grand Forks.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.