On March 4, 2024, Ja'Sean Coleman, a 24-year-old African American man from Omaha, Nebraska, was fatally shot in the city's Old Market district. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a 'nature unknown' incident near 12th and Howard Streets around 12:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ja'Sean Coleman inside a Jeep, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Nebraska Medical Center with life-saving measures in progress but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigators found a bullet casing and a firearm with an extended magazine inside the vehicle. Three individuals present at the scene were taken to police headquarters for questioning. Among them was 22-year-old Arrion Patterson, who was identified as the shooter. According to court documents, Patterson allegedly 'intentionally' pointed the gun at Ja'Sean Coleman before discharging it. He was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
Ja'Sean Coleman's family and friends held a vigil at the site of the shooting to honor his memory. His father, Darnell Coleman, expressed skepticism about the shooting being accidental, noting the deliberate action required to discharge a firearm like a Glock. Family members described Ja'Sean as a generous and kind-hearted individual, emphasizing the profound loss they felt.
In March 2025, Arrion Patterson entered a no contest plea to the manslaughter charge. On May 1, 2025, he was sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison, with credit for six days already served. Court documents indicated that Patterson had 'intentionally' pointed the firearm at Ja'Sean Coleman before firing.
