New details on Saturday morning homicide

Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister held a media briefing on Monday with updates to the homicide during July 4 weekend

The Lincoln Police Department has identified the victim in Saturday’ shooting as 20-year-old Gavin Hall of Lincoln. Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister spoke at a briefing today with more information.

LPD responded to a house near 40th and Van Dorn in south Lincoln during the early morning hours of July 4. The initial report said a male had been shot inside the house. When police arrived, they found Hall with a gunshot wound to the head. Officers arrested Hall’s roommate 18-year-old Zacharia Serna on charges of manslaughter.

Bliemeister said Hall and Serna were bantering back and forth before a gun was fired.

“During this encounter Serna received a shot gun from his bedroom and walked toward Hall,” he said. “Serna discharged the shot gun one time, striking Hall in the head.”

An autopsy confirmed Sunday morning that Hall died from a single gun shot wound to the head. Witnesses say there was a small gathering at the residence. Channel 8 spoke with neighbors who said they heard fireworks being lit off at the house throughout the night. They later saw cop cars parked outside of the residence.

Bliemeister said he’s sending his thoughts to the families.

“We are extending our thoughts as they grieve,” Bliemeister said. “We appreciate the respect your showing for his family and friends as they work their way through this tragedy.”

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the non-emergency line at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.