On the morning of October 12, 2024, the life of Keah Paljor, a 21-year-old Black / African American man, was cut short in Omaha, Nebraska. Around 6 a.m., Omaha Police Department officers responded to a 911 call about a shooting and found Paljor in the street near 29th and T Streets. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Nebraska Medicine, where he died from his injuries. Born on May 30, 2003, Keah was remembered for his calm demeanor, kindness, and quiet sense of humor.
He had attended All Saints Catholic School, Creighton Prep, and Central High School. A passionate basketball player, he was pursuing the sport at Clarendon College and was home for a weekend visit when he was killed.
The investigation into Keah Paljor’s death moved quickly. Prosecutors stated that video surveillance showed a suspect firing multiple gunshots at Paljor, causing him to fall. Investigators recovered 22 9mm shell casings at the scene, a number consistent with the victim’s wounds. Police soon identified 22-year-old Dak Lam as the man they believed was responsible, and on October 15, 2024, a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of first-degree murder.
Believing Lam had fled to the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area, Omaha police engaged the U.S. Marshals Service Colorado Violent Offender Task Force. After several weeks of investigation and surveillance, Lam was located at a residence in Westminster, Colorado. On November 5, 2024, he was taken into custody and held in the Adams County Jail before being extradited to Nebraska. Once back in Omaha, Lam was formally charged with first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was denied bond.
Another individual, Imari Valentine, was also charged in connection with the murder. Court records accused her of aiding Lam after the crime by helping him escape or avoid apprehension. In July 2026, Valentine pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of accessory to a felony.
Dak Lam’s trial began in June 2026. A jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On August 26, 2026, a judge sentenced Lam to serve 80 to 120 years in prison. With this sentence, the case was closed as of August 2026.
