Crime
Ferndale Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Near 8 Mile and Woodward
Ferndale, Mich. – The Ferndale Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of March 9, 2025.
At approximately 1:45 a.m., Ferndale Police dispatch received a report of gunfire near the intersection of 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.
Just three minutes later, at 1:48 a.m., a second caller reported seeing an individual lying outside a Ford Escape in the roadway on the southbound Woodward Avenue bridge over 8 Mile.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 27-year-old male victim from Detroit who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was driving southbound on Woodward Avenue when an unidentified suspect fired multiple shots into his vehicle, striking him.
The victim’s vehicle was found stopped on the roadway, with the victim lying outside upon officers’ arrival.
“This is a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi. “Our department is fully committed to identifying and apprehending those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing justice to the victim and his family.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Ferndale Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 248-541-3650, extension 5.
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.