Crime
20-year-old John Ja’ McCray shot and killed by his 16-year-old brother at Bridgeport Apartments in Lincoln
According to Captain Ben Miller, the two brothers had arrived at the apartment in separate vehicles.
A 20-year-old man, identified as John Ja’ McCray, was fatally shot by his 16-year-old brother in what Lincoln Police have described as a tragic case of mistaken identity early on Christmas Eve.
The shooting occurred at the Bridgeport Apartments near 14th and Hilltop around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and found McCray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside the apartment complex.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to Captain Ben Miller, the two brothers had arrived at the apartment in separate vehicles.
The 16-year-old, who had reportedly been attacked two days earlier near 21st and K Streets, told investigators that he spotted a man dressed in dark clothing and, fearing for his safety, fired several shots without realizing the individual was his older brother.
Both brothers were armed at the time of the incident. Police recovered the victim’s firearm at the scene.
The 16-year-old has been taken into custody and is facing charges of manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
The names of the individuals involved have not been formally released by authorities.
The Lincoln Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. They have urged anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.
Contact Information for Tips:
- Call Lincoln Police: 402-441-6000
- Call Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 402-475-3600
- Report online: lincolncrimestoppers.com
This marks the 8th homicide in Lincoln in 2024. Authorities and community members alike are mourning the heartbreaking loss of life in this preventable tragedy.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.