Beatrice man pleads not guilty to second-degree murder charge
BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) — On Apr. 21, 2026, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office arrested Justis Barnhouse, 31, facing charges of second-degree murder, use of a weapon to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Today, Barnhouse had his arraignment in Gage County District Court over Zoom from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Reception and Treatment Center.
Barnhouse waived formal reading of the information and waived his rights to a speedy trial.
He entered not guilty pleas to second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
On Apr. 21, Beatrice Police Department (BPD) was called to the scene when three gunshots were heard. A man, Joshua May, 37, was found lying in the street. According to BPD, May was conscious and told officers he had gotten shot. May was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Barnhouse is scheduled to appear in a pretrial hearing on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.
