On Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, a 10-year-old boy was fatally shot, leading to the arrest of his father.

Officers from the Omaha Police Department responded to the report of a shooting at around 11:30 pm at a home near North 31st Avenue and Nicholas Street.

Upon arrival, police found young Kendrick McDonald suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical assistance and transportation to Nebraska Medicine by Omaha Fire Department personnel, Kendrick died from his injuries at the hospital.

His father, Will McDonald, 47, was taken into custody under suspicion of several charges, including criminal homicide, use of a weapon-gun, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the father went outside because a car alarm was going off near the McDonald family’s home. This might have played a role in the events of the night. A handgun was recovered at the scene of the incident. 

Captain Jeremy Christensen of the Omaha Police Department conveyed the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances that led to the shooting. There is speculation that Will McDonald might have mistaken his son for a car thief due to the car alarm, but this has not been confirmed.

Will McDonald is currently being held without bond at the Douglas County Jail as the Omaha Police Department investigation continues.