Investigators work the scene of a fatal shooting outside the Royal Hookah Bar and Lounge near 16th and O streets on April 7.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Police say a man was shot and killed outside a downtown Lincoln bar early Sunday morning in the city's first homicide of the year.
The Lincoln Police Department said its officers and Lincoln Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the Royal Hookah Bar and Lounge at 1619 O St. at about 3 a.m. Sunday on a report of an individual outside who had been shot several times.
When they arrived, they found a 32-year-old Lincoln man who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The man was transported to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Police said it detained a suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting and was interviewing numerous witnesses to gain more information. Police did not release the name of the victim because his family had not yet been notified.Â
Police encouraged anyone with information about the incident, including video recordings, to contact LPD at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.
On Sunday morning, Lincoln police investigators could be seen canvassing the area in front of the bar, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape. Dozens of yellow evidence markers covered the sidewalk.
Sunday's homicide is the first in Lincoln this year and the first since Larry Cole, 76, was found in his residence in the 1100 block of New Hampshire Street  on Dec. 19. Cole's death was later deemed a homicide in January.
There were at least eight homicides in Lincoln in 2023, which marked a decrease from 11 in 2022.
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Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023
1. Julian A. Martinez
Police found 18-year-old Julian Martinez with one gunshot wound to his chest near 19th Street and Euclid Avenue on Jan. 21 after an argument over with a neighbor over their pet dogs devolved into a fatal shooting , according to authorities.
Prosecutors charged Martinez’s neighbor, 29-year-old Armon Rejai, with first-degree murder in the teen’s death.
, Martinez’s family said he cherished his sisters and nephews, who he loved to play video games and roughhouse with. He shared his life and love with his girlfriend and his best friend, along with numerous cousins and relatives, his family said.
Courtesy photo
2. Rudy Requejo Jr.
Rudy Requejo Jr., who was 22 months old, died at an Omaha hospital March 17 after weeks of suspected abuse and neglect, police investigators alleged in court filings.
Prosecutors charged the boy’s mother, 30-year-old Brittany Cook , and her boyfriend, 32-year-old Joshua Tackett, with child abuse resulting in the child’s death .
His family remembered Requejo Jr.’s infectious joy that, at times, brought previously feuding family members together.Â
“Junior had a smile that was like gravity,†his aunt said.
Courtesy photo
3. Ronald Gonzalez Rivas
Ronald E. Gonzalez-Rivas, 45, was one of two maintenance employees at The Lodge Apartments who were run over and killed at the south Lincoln complex on March 27.
A resident of the apartment complex, 27-year-old Taylor Bradley, was charged with six felonies for her alleged role in the brazen attack , including a first-degree murder charge in Gonzalez-Rivas’ death, according to court records.
In , his wife of 11 years, Georgina Molina, said she was deeply saddened by his death and asked for prayers for their family. Gonzalez-Rivas left behind two children, ages 19 and 26.
Courtesy photo
5. Damien Brave
Damien I. Brave, an 18-year-old Lincoln man, died in the early morning hours of April 1 after he was shot four times at a house party the night before near 27th and Fair streets .
Police in Michigan later arrested 17-year-old Kashaun M. McCree for his alleged role in Brave's death, thought to have been the result of a robbery gone wrong . Prosecutors  charged McCree, who police say fled to Detroit after the shooting, with first-degree murder.
Brave's close friend and family, who , remembered him as a goofy, fun-loving kid whose beaming smile demanded that others join in.
"If you felt like crap or you felt down, and you got one of his hugs, you just felt like you were safe," his mother, Heidi Brave, said . "I'm the mom. I should have made him feel safe. But the way he just hugged you, it just made you feel like you were something special."
Courtesy photo
6. Mark Kruger
Mark Kruger, 59, died May 7 after he was stabbed amid an argument at a family gathering that evening near 63rd Street and Baldwin Avenue.
Police arrested Kruger's son, Joseph Kruger, at the scene. The 40-year-old was later charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony for his alleged role in his dad's death.
In , Mark Kruger's family described the Lincoln man as a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle who loved music, concert-going and riding his Harley.
"... He loved to make the world smile," Kruger's family wrote. "He loved camping, fishing and going out on the boat. Mark always, always gave compliments and encouragement to all and he would give the shirt off his back for anyone."
The family also to help pay for his funeral.
Courtesy photo
7. Zachary Svoboda
Lincoln Police found Zachary Svoboda dead at his home near the North 50th and Greenwood streets on Aug. 23, 2023.
An autopsy determined the cause of death to be intoxication from a combination of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Investigators have identified physical and digital evidence, along with witness statements, that show Svoboda's death was intentional.
Police have alleged Amanda Wright devised and carried out a plan to kill Svoboda.
She is currently being held  at the Lancaster County jail.Â
9. Larry Cole
Larry Cole, 76, was found in his residence on the 1100 block of New Hampshire Street on Dec. 19. Officers went to the home on a welfare check, which was called in by one of Cole's family members.
Police received no answer when they knocked and smelled natural gas, which led them to call Lincoln Fire and Rescue who turned off the gas.
When the air cleared, police went in and found Cole dead inside, as well as another man.
Cole's death later was ruled a homicide.
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