Federal Murder Charges Filed Against Man Accused Of Killing Family Members on Spirit Lake Reservation

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — A man is charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder for a shooting last week on Spirit Lake Reservation south of Devils Lake.

Johnnie Gaking, 27, of St. Michael is accused of shooting and killing his sister, 31-year-old Tiana Walking Eagle, and her 3-year-old daughter, Lokia, on March 4.

He also shot his mother in the head.

She remains in the hospital.

The federal court complaint says Gaking’s mother told a first responder that her son had shot her.

Gaking was arrested after he showed up at a relative’s home with what were believed to be self-inflicted stab wounds.

He told law enforcement initially that he was not responsible for the shootings, claiming that it was men in ski masks who had been stalking him.

He later said the men in ski masks made him kill his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church for Tiana and Lokia Walking Eagle.

The obituary says friends may be at the church Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. to offer their condolences, love, and support to the family.

Tiana was currently employed at Walmart in Devils Lake.

The obituary also says Lokia was a happy baby and a joy in the lives of her family.