In the late hours of September 14, 2018, the life of 22-year-old Ethan Pohlmeier, a White male from North Platte, Nebraska, was tragically cut short. The fatal encounter took place in Centennial Park, where Pohlmeier had arranged to meet with two individuals for what prosecutors described as a marijuana deal involving the sale of one ounce for $180.
The situation escalated when Pohlmeier realized the individuals he was meeting, later identified as Jesus A. Martinez and Brayden Turner, both teenagers from Grand Island, had no intention of paying. As Pohlmeier reached into their vehicle, Martinez shot him twice with a. 22 caliber handgun. After being pushed away from the car, Martinez fired four more shots at Pohlmeier, who later succumbed to his injuries at the Great Plains Health Center in North Platte.
Following a tip from the Hall County Attorney's Office, North Platte Police arrested Martinez and Turner in Grand Island on October 12, 2018. The two were initially charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony. Both defendants attempted to have their cases moved to juvenile court, but the requests were denied, with the court citing the need to protect the public.
In October 2020, Martinez and Turner accepted plea deals. Martinez pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and possession of a stolen firearm. Turner pleaded no contest to a charge of robbery. In March 2021, Martinez was sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison for second-degree murder and a concurrent 15 to 20 years for the use of a weapon to commit a felony. Turner received a sentence of 20 to 30 years for his role in the robbery. Both were given credit for time already served.
