A 10-year-old boy was fatally shot on Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to his father’s arrest. Omaha Police Department officers, responding to a shooting report around 11:30 pm, arrived at a house on North 31st Avenue.
Kendrick McDonald was found injured from a gunshot. Despite prompt medical treatment and transport to Nebraska Medicine by the Omaha Fire Department, he did not survive.
Will McDonald, 47, Kendrick’s father, was apprehended and faces charges including criminal homicide, use of a weapon, a gun, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
If convicted of manslaughter, he could be sentenced to as many as 20 years behind bars, while the felony offense of employing a weapon could result in a maximum of 50 years imprisonment. Additionally, being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm might lead to a punishment ranging from 20 years to a lifetime in prison.
Early reports suggest Will McDonald had stepped outside due to a nearby car alarm, a factor potentially related to the events of the evening. A handgun was located at the scene.
Omaha Police Department Captain Jeremy Christensen spoke on the uncertain circumstances leading to the shooting, speculating that Kendrick may have been mistakenly identified as a car thief by his father, although this is not yet verified.
McDonald’s bond was set at $750,000 on Tuesday, November 28 in Douglas County Court. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 9, 2024.