Connect with us

Crime

Spirit Lake Reservation Shooting Suspect identified as Johnnie Jay Gaking

Published

on

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.


Advertisement

Crime

AMBER Alert issued for 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora in Austin, suspect Henry Mejia located

Published

on

AMBER Alert issued for 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora in Austin, suspect Henry Mejia located 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Authorities have released a significant update regarding the AMBER Alert issued in Austin, Texas.

Law enforcement officials confirm that the suspect connected to the case has been located, and the red 2017 Ford Mustang believed to have been involved has been recovered.

However, 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora remains missing.

Officials emphasize that the search for the child is ongoing and that she may still be in danger.

Missing Juvenile Information

Name: Jazzlyn Anzora
Age: 12
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Advertisement

Jazzlyn was last seen around 12:00 a.m. on February 24 in the 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin.

At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing:

  • A red sweater
  • A white long-sleeve shirt
  • Christmas-themed pants
  • Carrying a Nike backpack

Suspect Information

Authorities previously identified the suspect as 18-year-old Henry Mejia.

Description:

  • Black hair
  • Brown eyes
  • Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
  • Approximately 170 pounds
  • Distinct shaved line on one eyebrow

Officials have confirmed that the suspect has now been located.

Further details regarding his status have not yet been released.

Vehicle Information (Recovered)

The vehicle believed to be associated with the case has been recovered.

Advertisement

Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Year: 2017
Color: Red
License Plate: VVK2712 (Texas)
Additional Identifiers: Aftermarket chrome wheels and a white logo sticker on the passenger-side window

Ongoing Search Efforts

The AMBER Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety following Jazzlyn’s disappearance.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation and coordinate search efforts.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the child safely.

How to Report Information

Anyone with information regarding Jazzlyn Anzora’s whereabouts is urged to:

Advertisement
  • Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate sighting
  • Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-974-0845 (Option 3)

Officials stress that locating the missing child safely remains the top priority.


Continue Reading