In the quiet neighborhood surrounding Miller Park in Omaha, Nebraska, the life of 21-year-old Brandon White, a Black male, was tragically cut short on the evening of May 24, 2017. The events of that day would unravel a complex story involving multiple suspects and a lengthy pursuit of justice for White and his grieving family.
The incident began to unfold when emergency responders were dispatched to the area of North 29th and Browne Streets following reports of a shooting.
There, they found Brandon White suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of those first on the scene and medical professionals, White succumbed to his injuries at the Nebraska Medical Center.
Investigators soon began to piece together the puzzle of White's final moments. Their work led them to identify several individuals believed to be connected to the homicide. An arrest warrant was issued for 19-year-old Jaquan Haynes, who was apprehended by the Omaha Police Department's Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Metro Area Fugitive Task Force.
Further investigation led to the identification of additional suspects. T-Boy Brewer, who was 18 at the time, and Alana Smith, then 17 years old, were also implicated in White's death. Brewer was arrested in Des Moines, Iowa, and subsequently extradited to Omaha to face charges. Smith, after a period of being sought by law enforcement, was also taken into custody.
The legal proceedings that followed painted a clearer picture of the alleged involvement of the suspects. Prosecutors would eventually charge all three with first-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Ultimately, Jaquan Haynes and T-Boy Brewer were convicted for their roles in the shooting. In August 2018, both Haynes and Brewer were sentenced to life in prison. Alana Smith was also convicted in connection with the murder and received a significant prison sentence.
