Police identify victims in deadly shooting
By: Josh Planos, Digital Editor
OMAHA, Neb. — A shooting late Saturday night in Omaha’s Old Market killed one person and injured at least six, mere minutes after the Taste of Omaha festival had closed for the night blocks away.
Omaha police identified the deceased victim as 20-year-old Jasmine Harris. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Harris’ family told KETV NewsWatch 7 they’re heartbroken and want others to know the violence needs to stop. They described her as a good kid who aspired to be a cosmetologist.
Six other victims are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at area hospitals.
They have been identified as:
- Dewayne Staley Jr., 28
- Makye Thomas, 15
- Kristen Prater, 16
- Velia Vasquez, 18
- Robert McGhee-Gould, 20
- Gregory Austin, 19
The shooting began as an altercation in the Old Market, police said.
Officers responded to a call of shots fired near 11th and Farnam around 11:45 p.m. Upon arrival, officers located several injured victims, including Harris, who suffered a gunshot wound to the back.
Police fanned out across the Gene Leahy Mall looking for more victims. Witnesses initially said someone in a white Dodge Charger was responsible for the shooting.
The shooting is gang-related, police said, and may stem from incidents that occurred in May. However, there was no indication any of those wounded were part of any gang or criminal activity.
In a response to KETV NewsWatch 7 requests, Omaha police said no one was available to comment on the shootings after Sunday’s initial briefing at the scene.
Mayor Jean Stothert issued the following statement on Sunday:
“The Omaha Police Department is working diligently this weekend to identify the persons responsible for the shooting Saturday night in downtown Omaha. I offer my sincere sympathy to the family of Ms. Harris and all who were injured.
“Downtown residents, workers and visitors can be assured we will increase police presence in the area as we prepare for the College World Series later this month and other summer events.
“Chief Schmaderer and his team will continue to work with our community partners to identity those responsible for violent crime and make our city a safe place for all.”
There have been no reports of any arrests.