Argument Among Friends Leads to Fatal Shooting on Indian Reservation in New York

New York State Police have released additional information surrounding a fatal shooting that took place Monday night on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, identifying the incident as a murder-suicide.

In a statement issued Wednesday, troopers identified the three individuals involved in the shooting on Whites Drive in Perrysburg as Tylin O. Thomas Jr., 18; Ryan A. Mohawk, 23; and Caleb H. Stafford, 23.

Investigators said Thomas had been standing outside a vehicle occupied by the other two men when he opened fire with an AK-47-style rifle.

Mohawk, who was behind the wheel, was killed, while Stafford sustained injuries.

Police reported that after firing the shots, Thomas turned the weapon on himself. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Stafford managed to drive the vehicle approximately 1,200 feet to a nearby home and contacted emergency services. The 911 call came in around 11:27pm Monday.

“The investigation reveals that the individuals involved had an argument earlier in the day and all had a level of intoxication when the incident occurred,” troopers said in the release.

Authorities determined Mohawk's death to be a homicide, while Thomas’ death was ruled a suicide.

According to an online death notice by Schindler Funeral Home in Gowanda, Thomas - known to many as “TJ” - was a Bear Clan member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and had been expected to graduate next year from Erie Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES.

Stafford received medical care at Erie County Medical Center and was later released. Officials said he is cooperating with the investigation.

Police confirmed that at least nine shots were fired during the incident and that one firearm was recovered at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing.

In response to the tragedy, Seneca Nation officials urged community members in need of support to contact Seneca Nation Crime Victim Services at (716) 532-8339, the Seneca Nation Health System Behavioral Health Unit at (716) 532-5583, or the local 24-hour crisis hotline at (716) 532-8185.

Argument Among Friends Leads to Fatal Shooting on Indian Reservation in New York