LINCOLN, Neb. — Authorities have formally identified the 19-year-old woman killed in a tragic shooting that has left a quiet northeast Lincoln neighborhood in shock. On Thursday morning, the Lincoln Police Department confirmed that Nyandeng Chol was the victim of the fatal incident, which occurred Tuesday night near North 46th Street and Madison Avenue.
The investigation, which has drawn widespread concern from local residents, led to the arrest of 37-year-old Tyler Benzel on Wednesday. Benzel now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and the use of a firearm to commit a felony. Police allege he fired a single, fatal shot at the young woman.
The sequence of events began around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, when Lincoln police were called to a disturbance involving a group of juveniles near North 47th Street and Cleveland Avenue, in the vicinity of Huntington Elementary School. According to LPD Capt. Ben Miller, the situation escalated when Benzel’s wife reportedly confronted the group, shouting threats and demanding they leave the area. While no charges have been filed against the wife at this time, the situation spiraled rapidly thereafter.
As responding officers arrived at the initial disturbance, several members of the group, including Chol, began to flee. Police say that at approximately the same time, Benzel exited his nearby home and followed the fleeing group. Investigators believe Benzel confronted them, issued threats, and then produced a firearm and fired the shot that claimed Chol’s life.
Officers already on the scene reported hearing the gunshot just a block away. They rushed to the area of North 46th Street and Madison Avenue, where they discovered Chol suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by officers, Chol was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy is currently pending.
The incident has devastated a neighborhood long characterized by its residents as a “friendly” and “safe” community. Neighbors expressed their grief over the loss of a life so young. “She was 19. She had so much life to live,” said local resident Jurissa Cutshall, who was shaken by the incident. Another neighbor, Mike Michel, echoed the sentiment, noting the collective sorrow felt by those who live in the area. “We just feel so bad for the families — all involved,” he said.
Police recovered multiple weapons from the scene, including a 9 mm handgun. The Lincoln Police Department is continuing its investigation and is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the LPD at 402-441-6000 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, online at lincolncrimestoppers.com, or via the P3 app.
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