PERRYSBURG, N.Y. — A devastating act of violence unfolded late Monday night on the Cattaraugus Indian Territory in Perrysburg, New York, leaving two young men dead and a third injured in what authorities are now calling a murder-suicide. According to New York State Police, 18-year-old Tylin Thomas Jr. is believed to have opened fire on 23-year-old Ryan A. Mohawk and 23-year-old Caleb H. Stafford, both of Perrysburg, before turning the weapon on himself.
According to the New York State Police, the violent incident unfolded around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, near 10996 Whites Drive. Troopers responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find a tragic and chaotic scene.
Tylin Thomas Jr., 18, of Perrysburg, was identified as the shooter. Police say Thomas used an AK-47-style rifle to open fire on a 2012 Buick Verano carrying two other local men—Ryan A. Mohawk, 23, and Caleb H. Stafford, 23, both also residents of Perrysburg.
Ryan Mohawk, who was driving, was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. Caleb Stafford, the passenger, sustained gunshot wounds but managed to escape the immediate danger. Despite his injuries, Stafford was able to drive the bullet-riddled vehicle to a nearby residence to call for help.
Following the shooting
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