In the early morning hours of July 30, 2020, Nicole Lashaun Hatten, a 36-year-old Black/African American woman, was fatally shot in the parking lot of an Omaha, Nebraska hotel. A lifelong resident of Omaha and a mother of two sons, Hatten was known for her vibrant personality, her love for fashion, and her devotion to her family and friends. She worked as a receptionist and was remembered for her infectious smile and laugh.
On the morning of the incident, at approximately 7:34 a.m.,
Hatten and another individual, Michael Harbour, were shot and killed. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed both Hatten and Harbour exiting the building shortly before the shooting with another person, Evelyn Lee, and a man identified as John L. Parks, Sr.
The investigation into the double homicide led authorities to John L. Parks, Sr. A search of his hotel room uncovered a firearm and cocaine. Prosecutors suggested a motive for the killings, indicating a belief that Harbour was involved in the murder of Parks' son just five days prior to the shooting in the hotel parking lot.
On May 7, 2021, John L. Parks, Sr. was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Nicole Hatten and Michael Harbour. He faced additional charges for use of a firearm to commit a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Following a trial, a jury found Parks guilty on all counts. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for each of the murder convictions, in addition to further prison terms for the other offenses, with all sentences to be served consecutively.
