'Tough day in Omaha': Apparent murder-suicides, gang violence, fire leave 6 dead

The man and woman were found with gunshot wounds inside a house at 8830 N. 82nd Ave. Wednesday afternoon, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said.

The man was pronounced dead, but the woman was transported to Nebraska Medical Center, where she later died, police said in a statement late Wednesday.

A 5-year-old and a 1-year-old were found unharmed in the house and were taken into the custody of the police, Schmaderer said. Officers at the scene were seen holding the children and placing a car seat in a police cruiser. 

Schmaderer said the 5-year-old called a family member, who then called 911. 

Two fatal shootings occurred early Wednesday in Omaha. 

Police and Omaha Fire Department medical personnel were called to the area of 85th and Izard Streets about 1:30 a.m. for a report of two dead shooting victims, according to a statement from the Omaha Police Department.

Officers responded to 8505 Izard St. and spoke with the reporting party, "who said he found his parents dead inside the residence," the statement said.

First responders located two adults, 68-year-old George Jencks and 65-year-old Ruchell Crees, dead at the scene. Police released their names Thursday afternoon.

About 1:10 a.m., first responders were called to the area of Hamilton Street and North Saddle Creek Road for a report of a shooting. Police didn't locate any victims at that location but proceeded to 48th and Nicholas Streets, where they found two shooting victims near some apartments — one dead and the other in critical condition.

Aung Htoo, 17, was identified Wednesday afternoon as the victim found dead at the scene. The other victim, 18-year-old Manish Gurung, was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition. Schmaderer eluded to the incident as being tied to "gang and gun violence."

Manish is expected to survive, Police Department spokesperson Lt. Neal Bonacci said Thursday morning.

One person also died in a fire Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex at 11582 Davenport Plaza, according to Omaha Fire Department Battalion Chief Kurt Theiler. Another person was taken from the fire to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy with injuries. 

"It's been a very tough day in Omaha today," Schmaderer said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. 

Schmaderer noted that three of the six people who died Wednesday were of Asian descent and said the Police Department would have Karen-speaking officers working on the investigation.

"On behalf of the Police Department and the city, I want the Asian community to know that we're investigating these diligently," he said. "We value them in our community and they're going to get our best effort on this."

Schmaderer and Mayor John Ewing issued a joint statement following the incidents Wednesday, noting the impact of six deaths in a single day. 

"Omaha is a safe city with low homicide and violent crime rates," the statement said. "But today is a profoundly sad and difficult one."

Before Wednesday, Omaha had seen four homicides in 2026, according to the statement. That number is now seven. 

At this same time last year, there had been nine homicides, the statement said. 

"Violence affects families and communities, and we grieve alongside all who experienced the shock of what occurred today," the statement said. "We want to let you — and others in crisis know — that Omaha cares for you." 

World-Herald photojournalist Chris Machian contributed to this report.