Lincoln man sentenced for evidence tampering in Branched Oak murder

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A 22-year-old man was sentenced Thursday for helping clean up evidence of the 2022 murder at Branched Oak Lake.

Saif Saber of Lincoln got 15½ to 22 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in less than eight years.

Last month, Saber pleaded no contest to tampering with physical evidence and attempted possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

SEE ALSO: Bond set at $5 million in Branched Oak Lake homicide

The murder happened late on the night of July 19, 2022, when authorities said Taban Rik boarded a boat at the lake.

Rik shot 42-year-old Benjamin Case as the others on board escaped into the water.

Rik then fled in a car and met up with Saber, according to court documents.

SEE ALSO: Daughter of man slain at Branched Oak Lake remembers his fun-loving spirit

Saber got some bleach and helped clean up blood in the car.

But authorities said they didn’t get everything. Case’s DNA was found on the driver’s side floorboard.

In the hours and days after the slaying, Saber searched the internet multiple times for information on the case, court documents say.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln man arrested in connection to Branched Oak homicide

Rik pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in July.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 12.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln man remembered at vigil at Branched Oak Lake