In what was first reported as a motorcycle accident, the death of 59-year-old Bernard Leonard has been ruled a homicide. On the evening of May 17, 2024, Omaha police were called to the area of 9th Street and Carter Lake Boulevard where they found Leonard unresponsive next to his motorcycle. Further investigation at the scene revealed that the male victim had sustained a gunshot wound.
The case was quickly reclassified as a homicide, prompting an extensive investigation into the
circumstances surrounding Leonard's death. Weeks later, authorities announced a significant development in the case.
Brandon Mikesh, a 27-year-old male, was arrested in connection with the killing. Mikesh has been charged with first-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony, being a felon in possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and third-degree arson. At this time, investigators have not publicly disclosed a potential motive for the shooting or detailed any known connection between Bernard Leonard and the suspect. The investigation is reportedly ongoing as law enforcement continues to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.
