On July 19, 2022, a tragic incident occurred at Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln, Nebraska, resulting in the death of 42-year-old Benjamin Case. Case was hosting a party on his boat with friends when a gunman boarded the vessel and shot him twice. The four other individuals present on the boat managed to escape into the water, but Case unfortunately died at the scene.
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office stated that the shooting was not believed to be random.
The incident took place late in the night, and the investigation was promptly launched. In a swift turn of events, a Lincoln man was arrested in connection with the homicide, bringing some relief to Case's family.
Benjamin Case was known for his love of the lake and his boat. His daughter, Payton Case, described him as obsessed with being out on the water, mentioning that he had lived on his boat for a few years. Friends and family remembered Case as a carefree, fun, and caring soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
A vigil was held for Benjamin Case at Branched Oak Lake on the Wednesday following the incident. Mourners gathered around the dock where Case had kept his boat for the last couple of years, lit candles, played his favorite music, and shared memories of him. The lake was described as 'the place he loved the most' by Ashley Lamoureux, the mother of Case's daughter, on a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses.
The sudden loss of Benjamin Case deeply affected his family, particularly his daughter Payton, who had been celebrating her 18th birthday when she received the devastating news. Despite the tragedy, Payton expressed gratitude for the swift arrest and hoped that justice would be served.
