Omaha man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Lincolnite

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An Omaha man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the murder of a 33-year-old Lincolnite.

Deontae Rush, 27, was sentenced Monday to life in prison for first-degree murder, according to court documents.

District Judge Kevin McManaman also sentenced Rush to up to 35 years for use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Rush was found guilty on both counts on Nov. 14.  He will serve those sentences consecutively.

Back on March 1, 2021, Lincoln Police began an investigation into the slaying of James Shekie, who was shot at his home near 19th and Superior Streets.

Rush was arrested in Chicago on March 11, three days after police had obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Investigators say Rush and two others had planned to rob Shekie of marijuana, according to a press release from the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office.

We hope this conviction brings some measure of solace to the family and friends of James Shekie and we thank @LancasterCoAtty for their efforts in this prosecution. https://t.co/kzKcjbMic6

— Lincoln Police (@Lincoln_Police) January 30, 2023