PERRYSBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police are investigating a murder-suicide in the Town of Perrysburg.
The shooting happened a little before 11:30 p.m. Monday on the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
According to police, 18-year-old Tylin O. Thomas Jr. of Perrysburg was standing outside a vehicle on White Road that was occupied by 23-year-old Ryan A. Mohawk and 23-year-old Caleb H. Stafford, both of Perrysburg. Thomas allegedly shot the vehicle with an AK-47-style weapon, killing Mohawk and injuring Stafford. Police said Thomas then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stafford drove the vehicle to a nearby residence to contact law enforcement.
Investigators said the individuals involved had an argument earlier in the day, and all had a level of intoxication when the incident occurred. Mohawk's death was ruled a homicide and Thomas' death was ruled a suicide.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Seneca Nation issued a statement on Tuesday morning regarding the incident:
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic events that occurred in our Indian Hill community last night. The Nation is reaching out to assist the families at this remarkably difficult time.
We want to thank Seneca Nation Chief Marshal Tom Thompson and our Marshals Department, New York State Police Troop A, the Cattaraugus County and Erie County Sheriff’s offices, and all first responders who assisted in the response to the scene.
In times of tragedy, our entire community suffers. As we all look to understand and heal, we encourage community members to call Seneca Nation Crime Victim Services at 716-532-8339, the Seneca Nation Health System Behavioral Health Unit at 716-532-5583, or our local 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 716-532-8185 for support. Seneca Nation employees may also contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-433-7916.
As we work to move forward, we encourage our entire community to pull together, support one another, and ask the Creator to send us love, support, healing, and understanding.”
