Inset: Saleh Mohamed in court (WGRZ/YouTube). Background: The New York home where Saleh Mohamed allegedly killed his wife and two children, ages 4 and 3 (WKBW/YouTube).
In a tragic incident, a father from New York is accused of fatally shooting his entire family with a 9 mm handgun, including his wife and two young sons, before allegedly taking another life, according to officials.
Authorities report that 29-year-old Saleh Mohamed returned to his residence on Monday, seemingly unaware that law enforcement was present conducting a welfare check following the murders.
“No one was answering the door at the house,” explained Cheektowaga Police Department Chief Brian Coons at a press conference Tuesday. “He arrived shortly thereafter.”
The local police and prosecutorial office allege that Mohamed shot his wife, Ayesha Abdullah, aged 26, and their two sons, aged 4 and 3, inside their Cheektowaga home. He then reportedly drove 15 minutes to Buffalo, where he is accused of killing a 43-year-old store and deli employee.
Investigators have indicated that Mohamed and the victims were part of the same Yemeni community, though the specifics of Mohamed’s relationship with the store clerk remain unclear.
“There is a definite connection,” stated Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane regarding the shootings. “The accused is responsible for both events and faces murder charges in each case.”
Keane, along with Chief Coons, confirmed that Mohamed used a legally owned 9 mm pistol in the crimes. “He possesses a permit,” Keane informed the press. “The firearm listed on the permit is a 9 millimeter handgun.”
Keane and Coons alleged that Mohamed used the 9 mm to kill his wife and the “little boys” on Monday afternoon. A family member asked police to conduct a welfare check, though it’s unclear why.
“They were all found in the house,” Keane said. “They were all shot to death.”
Mohamed has no criminal record and authorities had never been to the home before, according to Coons. “This was our first time dealing with them,” the chief said.
Neighbors told local NBC affiliate WGRZ that they heard people “arguing” inside the home before the shooting. “Then I heard like six or seven pops, like a nail gun going off,” said one resident. “And then it was quiet, and then all sorts of hell broke loose with, like … people legitimately screaming.”
The neighbor said she saw police take Mohamed into custody after he showed back up to the scene, telling WGRZ, “I think they tackled him in our front yard.”
Mohamed was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his wife and children. He was charged with one count of second-degree murder for the death of the store clerk.
Mohamed is being held without bail and is due to appear in court Friday.
