An aspiring dental assistant is shot and killed Valencia Hogan, a 20-year-old African-American woman, had a bright smile and a passion for helping others. She was studying to become a dental assistant, a career she chose because she believed the first impression you make is your smile. In her free time, she was a loving daughter and sister to her many siblings. Her kind and caring nature touched those who knew her.
Tragically, in the early morning hours of August 4, 2012, Valencia's life was cut short.
She was shot near North 16th Street and Willis Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries a few days later. Her death was a profound loss to her family and the community, a violent end to a life that held so much promise. In the wake of this tragedy, her family made the selfless decision to donate her organs, a choice that saved the lives of seven other people.
Despite the passage of time, Valencia's murder remains an unsolved case. To this day, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Omaha Police Department has continued to seek information from the public, hoping for a lead that will bring justice for Valencia and her family. Her mother, grappling with the immense pain of her loss, has worked to keep her daughter's memory alive by starting a foundation in her name to support dental students and promote organ donation. The family continues to hold out hope that one day, the person or people responsible for her death will be held accountable.
