Lamar Nedd, a 46-year-old Black male, was found deceased on the side of a road in Douglas County, Nebraska, on August 7, 2022. An autopsy later confirmed that he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide. At the time, law enforcement officials appealed to the public for any information regarding his death, which they actively investigated for months.
Nedd, also known by the rap moniker "Freddy Dead," was a pioneer in Omaha's hip-hop scene.
The investigation into Lamar Nedd's murder gained significant momentum following a separate but similar case. In March 2023, the body of Laron Hodges was discovered in his vehicle after he had been reported missing the previous month; he had also been shot multiple times. Investigators noted similarities between the two homicides, which led them to explore potential connections. This line of inquiry eventually led them to a person of interest, Erika Mims. Evidence found at a location believed to be where Nedd was killed linked Mims to his death.
In October 2023, Erika Mims, 41, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of both Lamar Nedd and Laron Hodges. Authorities believe the motive for the murders was financial. Mims was also charged in connection with the attempted murder of a third individual, Ronald Townsend, who was shot in May 2022 but survived. Investigators stated that had Mims been successful in killing Townsend, she would have met the criteria for a serial killer.
Further investigation revealed disturbing details about the crimes. It is alleged that Nedd was shot while lying on Mims' bed. His body was then reportedly wrapped in a rug and kept in a storage closet for several days before being disposed of on Rainwood Road. Authorities also allege that Mims, with assistance, dismembered the mattress and bedframe Nedd was killed on and burned them along with his clothing. Two other individuals, Erykha Wilson and Kenneth Smith, were arrested and charged as accessories in connection with the murder of LaRon Hodges. Wilson allegedly admitted to investigators that she lived with Mims and purchased the firearms used in the murders.
