In Lincoln, Nebraska, a tragic incident unfolded early on Christmas Eve, leaving a 20-year-old man dead and his 16-year-old brother facing serious charges. Police believe the heartbreaking situation was a result of mistaken identity.
It all happened at the Bridgeport Apartments just after midnight. Around 12:30 a.m., police were called to the area with reports of gunshots. When officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old man outside the apartment complex, badly injured from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, but sadly, he didn’t survive.
According to police, the two brothers had arrived at the apartment complex separately, each in their own vehicle. The younger brother, just 16 years old, later told officers he saw someone in dark clothing as he was walking toward the building. Feeling uneasy and remembering an attack he’d experienced in a parking lot the previous Friday, he thought the person might be a threat.
Not realizing the man was his own brother, the teenager fired several shots, hitting him. The devastating mistake led to the older brother’s death.
Both brothers had firearms with them at the time, and police recovered the victim’s gun at the scene. The younger brother is now in custody and faces charges of manslaughter and using a weapon to commit a felony.
The names of the two brothers haven’t been shared with the public yet. Investigators are still working on the case, interviewing witnesses and piecing together what happened.
The Lincoln Police Department is asking anyone who might have information or video of the incident to come forward. You can contact the police directly or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 402-475-3600, visiting their website, or using the P3 app.
This heartbreaking case marks the eighth homicide in Lincoln this year, leaving the community in shock and mourning during the holiday season.
