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A 27-year-old man from North Dakota, Johnnie Jay Gaking, is currently in custody after allegedly shooting his sister and her 3-year-old daughter to death, and injuring his mother on the Spirit Lake Reservation near Tokio. Gaking is facing two charges of second-degree murder and one charge of attempted murder. The victims have been identified as Tiana Sharel Walking Eagle, Gaking’s 31-year-old sister, and her daughter, Lokia Jay Lee Walking Eagle.
The tragic incident took place at a residence on the Spirit Lake Reservation, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. Bureau of Indian Affairs agents discovered the bodies of Walking Eagle and her daughter, both with fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Gaking’s mother was found injured and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital.
Following the shooting, Gaking reportedly drove to another residence on the reservation. Witnesses at the second home reported that Gaking arrived in a blue Ford Focus, entered the house with a wild look in his eyes, and claimed that his sister was dead but denied responsibility. Gaking had self-inflicted stab wounds on his chest and abdomen, according to the affidavit.
After leaving the second home, Gaking crashed his car into a ditch and was subsequently apprehended by the police. While being transported to the hospital, Gaking allegedly told an agent that he had been stalked by men in ski masks who forced him to kill his family. Initially, he claimed that these masked men had stabbed him, but later confessed that he had attempted suicide.
A witness who was present during the shooting but managed to escape unharmed told the agents that Gaking had been suffering from sleep deprivation and was constantly talking about being pursued by men in ski masks. When his family members expressed disbelief, Gaking became agitated and threatened to kill them all. He then allegedly entered the bedroom where the victims were and began shooting. The witness claimed that Gaking threatened him next, prompting him to flee the scene.
Walking Eagle, who spent most of her life on the Spirit Lake Nation, was remembered in her obituary as a loving family member and a dedicated Walmart employee who enjoyed music and spending time with loved ones. Her daughter, Lokia, was described as a joyful child who brought happiness to her family. Gaking is currently being held at the Ward County Jail without bond.