3-year-old girl died after her uncle shot her and her mother to death, and then claimed masked men made him kill them; uncle charged

North Dakota – In a harrowing incident in North Dakota, a family was torn apart by violence when a 27-year-old man, identified as J. Gaking, shot and killed his 31-year-old sister, identified as Tiana E., and 3-year-old niece, identified as Lokia E., and attempted to murder his mother. The suspect, Gaking, is now facing serious charges as the community reels from the shock.

The tragedy unfolded in a home on the reservation, where law enforcement officers and emergency responders found a horrifying scene. According to reports from local news sources, Gaking’s sister, Tiana, and her young daughter, Lokia, were discovered deceased, each with gunshot wounds to the head. The paramedics also rushed Gaking’s mother to the hospital due to injuries sustained in the attack.

Gaking was charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of his sister and niece, and one count of attempted murder for the assault on his mother. Following the shooting, Gaking allegedly drove to another residence on the reservation. Witnesses at this second location described him arriving with blood on his chest and abdomen from self-inflicted stab wounds, recounting the killings with a disturbed expression and claiming innocence.

Gaking’s erratic behavior continued as he left the second home, eventually crashing his vehicle into a ditch where police apprehended him. During transportation to the hospital, Gaking made several delirious statements to the agents. He initially claimed that masked men were stalking him and had forced him into committing the murders. He even told authorities that the stab wounds were inflicted by the “masked men.” However, he later confessed that these claims were false and admitted to attempting suicide.

Further investigation revealed insights from another witness who was in the home during the shooting but was uninjured. This individual recounted Gaking’s mental distress in the days leading up to the incident, including paranoia about non-existent masked men. According to the witness, Gaking had been sleep-deprived and became increasingly agitated when his hallucinations were dismissed by family members. In a chilling revelation, the witness detailed how Gaking threatened the family before carrying out the shooting, ultimately forcing the witness to flee for his life.

The deaths of Tiana and Lokia have left an indelible mark. Tiana, remembered for her time at a local store and her enjoyment of music and social gatherings, and Lokia, described as a joyful and happy baby, are mourned deeply by their community. The obituary highlighted the profound loss felt by their family and friends. Gaking is currently held at the county jail without bond as the case progresses. The legal outcomes await further judicial proceedings, but the immediate focus remains on supporting the surviving victim and the grieving community. The tragic events have underscored the critical importance of mental health awareness and community safety measures, especially in areas with limited access to mental health resources.