Crime
Spirit Lake Reservation Shooting Suspect identified as Johnnie Jay Gaking
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.
Pflugerville, Texas – Two men were fatally shot, and a woman remains in critical condition following a violent incident at a Pflugerville home early Monday morning, according to local authorities.
Just after midnight, officers from the Pflugerville Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on Orchard Park Circle.
Upon arrival, they discovered two deceased male victims and a critically injured female victim, who was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is also deceased, though details regarding their identity and role in the shooting have not yet been disclosed.
Police have described the incident as isolated, emphasizing that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
However, investigators are still working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
As of now, officials have not released the identities of the individuals involved, nor have they provided further information regarding a possible motive.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as law enforcement continues its inquiry into the tragic event.