LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN/Gray News) – A 20-year-old Nebraska man is dead and his 16-year-old brother is in custody following an early Christmas Eve shooting that police say was the result of mistaken identity.
Lincoln Police were called to the Bridgeport Apartments around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday on reports of shots fired, KOLN reports. Officers found a 20-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the apartment. He was rushed to a hospital by ambulance, where he died.
Officers learned the victim and his 16-year-old brother had arrived at the apartment together but in separate vehicles. Police Capt. Ben Miller says the 16-year-old told police he saw a man dressed in dark clothing while walking up to the building and feared for this safety after being attacked in a parking lot Friday.
Not recognizing the man as his brother, the teenager fired several shots, striking and killing him, according to police.
The 16-year-old is facing charges of manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
Police say both brothers were in possession of firearms. The victim’s gun was recovered at the scene.
The names of those involved have not been released by police.
Investigators continue to interview witnesses and secure the scene. Anyone with information or video of the incident is asked to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000. To remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, report a tip online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or by downloading the free P3 app.
This is the eighth homicide in Lincoln in 2024.
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