In the early morning hours of January 2, 2021, a tragic altercation in northwest Lexington, Nebraska, cut short the life of 15-year-old Jovanny Gandara, a White / Caucasian male. During the incident, Jovanny was shot. His friends quickly rushed him to the Lexington Regional Health Center, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. A sophomore at Lexington High School, Jovanny was an active member of the school's wrestling program.
He had previously attended Morton Elementary and Lexington Middle School, where he participated in the band.
Jovanny was remembered for his energetic, loving, and outgoing personality, with a contagious smile that could light up a room. He had a passion for playing the guitar, swimming, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his many friends. A member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, he was a beloved son, brother, and grandson, leaving behind his parents, four brothers, and grandparents. His death deeply impacted the close-knit community of Lexington.
In the wake of the shooting, the Lexington Police Department launched an investigation that quickly led to a suspect. Ramon Gonzalez-Romero, an 18-year-old resident of Lexington, was arrested in connection with Jovanny's death. On January 4, 2021, Gonzalez-Romero was arraigned in Dawson County Court on charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony. Police reported that a search of a Lexington home resulted in the recovery of weapons believed to have been used in the shooting.
Ramon Gonzalez-Romero was held without bond following his arraignment. In April 2021, he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. A trial date was subsequently set for July of that year.
