‘Then it was quiet’: Father annihilates entire family with 9 mm, executing his 2 ‘little boys’ and wife inside their home, police say
A horrific series of shootings in western New York has left a community in mourning after authorities say a father fatally shot his wife, his two young sons, and later another man before being taken into custody.
According to investigators, 29-year-old Saleh Mohamed is accused of carrying out the killings on June 1, 2026, in Cheektowaga and Buffalo, New York. Prosecutors allege that Mohamed first murdered his wife and two children inside their family home before driving to Buffalo and killing a store clerk.
Officials described the case as one of the most disturbing incidents they have encountered, with multiple victims killed in separate but connected shootings.
Victims Identified
Wife and Children Found Dead Inside Family Home
Authorities identified the victims inside the home as Mohamed’s 26-year-old wife, Ayesha Abdullah, and the couple’s two sons, ages 4 and 3. Prosecutors said all three victims were found deceased inside the residence and had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigators stated that the children were very young and described the killings as an execution-style attack carried out by their father. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane referred to the victims as Mohamed’s “little boys” while discussing the allegations.
Fourth Victim Killed in Buffalo
After the killings at the family home, authorities allege Mohamed drove approximately 15 minutes to Buffalo, where he fatally shot a 43-year-old store and deli clerk. Prosecutors have not publicly detailed the exact relationship between Mohamed and the clerk but confirmed the victims were connected through the same Yemeni community.
Officials said the defendant is charged in both shooting incidents and investigators believe the crimes are directly linked.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Family Member Requested Welfare Check
The investigation began when a concerned family member contacted police and requested a welfare check at the Cheektowaga residence. Authorities have not publicly explained what prompted the request, but officers responded to the home after concerns were raised about the family’s well-being.
Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Coons said officers arrived at the residence and received no response when they knocked on the door. While officers were at the location, Mohamed allegedly returned to the home. Investigators believe he may not have known that police were already there conducting the welfare check.
Suspect Returned While Police Were Present
Chief Coons explained that officers were already investigating when Mohamed drove back to the property. His arrival quickly led to his arrest as police uncovered evidence of the killings inside the residence.
According to witnesses, officers moved quickly to take him into custody outside the home.
Neighbors Describe Hearing Gunfire
“Then It Was Quiet”
One neighbor told local media that she heard what sounded like an argument coming from the home before hearing multiple loud noises.
The resident said she heard “six or seven pops” that initially sounded like a nail gun. Moments later, the neighborhood became silent.
“Then it was quiet,” the witness recalled. Shortly afterward, she said, chaos erupted as people began screaming and emergency responders rushed to the area.
Witnesses Saw Arrest
The same neighbor reported seeing officers arrest Mohamed after he returned to the property. According to her account, police tackled him in a front yard before taking him into custody.
Weapon Used in the Killings
Legally Owned 9 mm Handgun
Prosecutors said Mohamed allegedly used a legally registered 9 mm handgun to carry out the shootings.
District Attorney Michael Keane stated that Mohamed possessed a valid permit for the firearm and that the handgun involved was registered to him. Authorities believe the same weapon was used in both the family killings and the fatal shooting in Buffalo.
Investigators have not indicated that the firearm was obtained illegally or that Mohamed was prohibited from possessing it.
Police Reveal No Prior History
No Previous Criminal Record
Officials said Mohamed had no known criminal history before the shootings.
Chief Coons stated that police had never previously responded to incidents involving the family and had no prior dealings with Mohamed. According to investigators, there had been no earlier calls for service at the residence that would have suggested violence or domestic disturbances.
The lack of prior police contact has left many community members searching for answers about what may have led to the deadly violence.
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Multiple Murder Counts
Following his arrest, Mohamed was charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his wife and two children. He was also charged with an additional count of second-degree murder for the death of the Buffalo store clerk.
Held Without Bail
Court records show Mohamed is being held without bail while the case proceeds through the judicial system. Prosecutors have indicated they intend to pursue the charges aggressively given the number of victims and the nature of the allegations.
He was scheduled to appear in court following his arrest as investigators continued gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Community Left Searching for Answers
The deaths of Ayesha Abdullah, her two young sons, and the Buffalo store clerk have devastated members of the local Yemeni community and shocked residents across western New York.
Authorities have not yet publicly announced a motive for the killings. Investigators continue working to determine what circumstances led to the alleged murders, while family members, neighbors, and community leaders struggle to comprehend the loss of four lives in a single day.
For many residents, the haunting words recalled by a neighbor — “Then it was quiet” — have become a chilling reminder of the tragedy that unfolded inside the family’s home before police uncovered the deadly scene.
