Two investigators working to identify the intruders who shot and killed Jessica Brandon in her Lincoln home last week fielded scores of tips Tuesday after police released surveillance footage and Brandon's mother pleaded for the public's help.
"The phone has been blowing up," Officer Angela Sands said Tuesday afternoon, five hours after the video was released.
Surveillance cameras captured at least four suspects entering the home at 19th and Fairfield streets at 3:39 a.m. July 31, Sands said. The infrared footage makes some things that are dark or black appear white or light-colored.
Brandon, 36, died from gunshot wounds after being taken to Bryan West Campus that morning, police said.
She was the only person injured in the shooting. Two other adults — Brandon's fiance and his mother — and four children were inside the home when the shooting occurred.
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Investigators do not believe the shooting was random, but they have not pinpointed a motive, Sands said Tuesday, a week after the shooting.
"In order to establish the motives behind this deplorable act, we need to know who they are," she said.
Police ask that anyone who recognizes the intruders should call the department's tip line dedicated to the case.
That number, 402-429-1774, is monitored around-the-clock by the criminal investigation unit, and the number accepts text messages in addition to phone calls, Sands said.
Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward through Crimestoppers, she said.Â
Shortly after police released the footage to the news media, Brandon's mother read a statement to reporters and pleaded for help finding her daughter's killers.Â
"I just want anybody out there that knows anything that can help find these people that killed my daughter, would you please come forward and give her some justice?" a tearful Molly Goodyear said. "She didn't deserve this. They need to be found. Please help us."
Brandon's family doesn't recognize the intruders, and other surveillance cameras at the home didn't capture any images showing how they fled the residence, Sands said.
Still, investigators are hopeful the clear picture of one of the men can lead to a break in the case, she said.
“Someone will recognize these people,†Sands said.